WITHIN 


BELLE  M.  WAGNER. 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

GIFT 


The  Simplex  Publishing  Co. 

Importers  and  Publishers  of 

OCCULT   WORKS 

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The  Simplex  Publishing  Co. 

Importers  and  Publishers  of 

OCCULT   WORKS 

Box   595,  Seattle,  wash. 


WITHIN 
THE  TEMPLE  OF  ISIS. 


BY 

BELLE  M.  WAGNER, 


Denver,  Colorado: 

ASTRO-PHILOSOPHICAL  PUBLISHING  CO., 
1899. 


COPYRIGHT,  1899, 
BY  HENRY  WAGNER,  M.  D. 


DEDICATION. 

D, 

,  M.  ©., 


TO   MY   HUSBAND, 


IN  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  OF  HIS   TRUE   WORTH  A3  A  WARRIOR 

IN   THE   CAUSE   OF  TRUTH,    AND  HIS  DEVOTION  TO  THE 

BROTHEI1HOOD  AND   SISTERHOOD  OF  MAN,  AND  THE 

FATHERHOOD     AND      MOTHERHOOD    OF     GOD,     I 

DEDICATE   THIS   BOOK. 

BY  THE  AUTHORESS. 


PUBLISHER'S  PREFACE. 


We  are  safe  in  saying  that  ''Within 
The  Temple  of  Isis"  is  unique  and  stands 
alone.  There  is  no  other  book  in  print 
like  it,  and  if  Solomon  of  old  had  not 
said,  "There  is  nothing  new  under  the 
sun,"  we  would  be  inclined  to  contradict 
him. 

"Within  the  Temple  of  Isis"  God's 
word  was  law  as  interpreted  by  his  Hiero- 
phants;  their  oneness  with  the  fountain 
of  Being  made  them  conscious  of  Nature's 
secret  operations,  and  enabled  them,  as 
it  does  the  wise  ones  of  to-day,  to  enter 
the  Temple  of  Isis  and  observe  the  hidden 
mysteries  concealed  behind  the  veil. 


6  PUBLISHER  S    PREFACE. 

Purity  of  motive  and  sincerity  of  pur- 
pose brought  its  own  reward  to  them  of 
old  as  it  does  to  those  of  to-day  who  pu- 
rify themselves  before  seeking  for  the 
knowledge  and  wisdom  hidden  within  the 
"Holy  of  Holies"— "The  Temple  of  Isis." 

Isis  means  Mother  of  all,  while  Osiris 
means  Father  of  all. 

The  Temple  of  Two  Truths  as  matter 
and  spirit  must  be  realized  within. 

The  Polar  Opposites  are  those  of  sex 
dually  expressed  as  two  poles  of  one  law 
or  principle  as  taught  by  Hermetic  Phi- 
losophy before  the  law  of  polarization  of 
spirit  into  matter,  and  matter  back  into 
spirit,  can  be  understood. 

The  Alchemist  and  the  Astrologer, 
alike,  possess  this  wisdom,  and  it  was  this 
knowledge  that  made  the  Priests  Kings  of 


PUBLISHER  S    PREFACE.  7 

Egypt,  so  justly  famous  as  Magicians  or 
Wise  Men. 

They  still  exist  in  spirit  realms  and  can 
transmit  to  this  plane  of  earth  their  wis- 
dom, that  would  make  earth  a  veritable 
paradise  if  only  the  race  could  be  made 
to  realize  its  magical  powers. 

Scientific  inventions  of  great  moment 
to  the  race  are  thus  projected  to  the  earth, 
and  spiritual  Adepts  in  occult  laws  will 
again  revive  the  "  Wisdom  Religion " 
upon  earth  in  all  its  beauty  and  grandeur 
as  the  western  race  becomes  fitted  intel- 
lectually and  spiritually  to  receive  it. 

Nature  ever  repeats  herself  in  cycles 
of  time  on  the  spiritual  and  mental,  as 
well  as  the  physical  planes  of  life. 

.  End,  there  is  none.  71me  and  eternity 
are  the  ever-present  Now,  so  far  as  the 
spirit  is  concerned.  Therefore,  the  readers 


PUBLISHER  S    PREFACE. 

of  this  strange  occult  book  will  some  day 
realize  its  truths  as  realities  of  natural 
law  on  the  spiritual  planes  of  life.  It  is 
a  clear,  practical  statement  of  Soul  Mar- 
riage and  of  Soul  Transfer  from  one 
earthly  temple  to  that  of  another. 

Nature's  laws  are  ever  the  same; 
therefore,  the  same  experiences  herein 
narrated  are  applicable  to  Neophytes 
seeking  soul  initiation  to-day  as  they  were 
in  the  days  of  The  Temple  of  Isis,  and  if 
the  veil  of  Isis  could  be  raised  for  one 
single  moment  the  world  would  be  startled 
by  the  mysterious  revelations  disclosed. 

To  the  Seers  and  the  Occult  Initiates 
alike,  this  book  will  appeal  with  magical 
force.  Its  truths  are  those  of  the  soul  and 
spirit,  and  can  await  the  reader's  soul 
development  for  verification. 

Truth  needs    no    apology;   therefore, 


PUBLISHER  S    PREFACE.  Q 

none  will  be  offered  as  an  excuse  for  this 
publication.  It  is  our  desire  that  our 
readers  may  some  day  know  for  them- 
selves that  Truth  is  indeed  stranger  than 
Fiction. 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  presenting  this  little  volume  to  our 
readers  we  ask  them  to  accept  it,  not  as 
fiction,  but  as  divine  truth  as  to  the  laws 
herein  revealed. 

Not  a  statement  is  made  that  is  not 
possible  to  the  divine  will  of  man.  Al- 
though it  can  not  be  proven  to  your  out- 
ward knowledge,  do  not  reject  and  declare 
it  is  not  true. 

History  will  teach  you  there  actually 
existed  a  "Temple  of  Isis,"  and  the  trans- 
lations thereof,  although  many  of  them 
are  very  incorrect,  of  the  wonderful  magic 
therein  performed,  lead  one  to  think  there 
was  some  Wisdom  issued  from  that  Tern- 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

pie  that  is  yet  beyond  the  human  family, 
as  a  whole,  to  understand. 

"The  Temple  of  Isis"  exists  no  more  in 
external  form,  and  the  Hierophants  of 
that  Temple  have  passed  from  this  to  the 
spiritual  planes  above.  But,  need  we 
think  by  that,  the  blind  forces  of  Nature 
can  no  more  be  controlled?  The  forces 
are  just  the  same  to-day,  but  man's  mind 
fails  to  grasp  the  truth  that  history  repeats 
itself. 

Mighty  Hierophants  are  upon  the  earth 
to-day,in  embryo,  and  when  the  time  comes 
that  points  favorably  for  active  spiritual 
work  on  the  Western  Continent,  they  will 
be  called  forth  and  Egypt  will  not  be 
ashamed  of  her  true  children  nor  their 
works. 

The  Wisdom  Religion  of  Egypt  still 
exists  and  we  can  contact  that  Wisdom 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

by  the  development  of  our  souls.  Even 
do  the  Wise  Men  of  the  East,  that  was, 
exert  their  spiritual  influence  upon  us  to- 
day if  we  but  knew  it.« 

The  trouble  lies  with  us  not  with  them. 
They  will  never  conceal  it  from  the  honest 
soul  truly  seeking  for  Light,  Life  and 
Love. 

Follow  us  carefully  to  the  end,  without 
prejudice,  and  when  you  have  finished,  if 
you  still  think  it  fiction,  strive  to  prove  its 
falsity  and  stop  not  until  you  have  reached 
that  stage  of  soul  unfoldment  that  will 
enable  you  to  occupy  that  plane  whereby 
you  can  stand  beside  the  great  Hiero- 
phants  of  "The  Temple  of  Isis." 

THE  AUTHORESS. 


WITHIN 
THE  TEMPLE  OF  ISIS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  REVELATION  OF  THE  ASTROLOGER. 

Although  the  hour  was  very  late,  near 
midnight,  the  Priestess  had  just  retired  to 
her  apartments  for  repose. 

The  Rites  of  the  day  had  been  ex- 
tremely long  and  fatiguing,  as  they  always 
were  for  a  Priestess  of  Isis  attendant  upon 
the  burial  service  of  one  in  high  rank; 
and  a  great  nobleman  of  the  land,  as  well 
as  a  near  relative  of  the  Priestess  herself, 
had  been  buried  that  day. 

Thus   personal    sorrow   had    mingled 


1 6  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

with  and  added  weight  to  the  impressive 
and  solemn  grandeur  of  the  occasion,  yet, 
strangely  enough  her  mind  was  neither 
with  the  events  of  the  day  nor  the  dead, 
but  her  thoughts  were  resting  now  where 

they  had  wandered  many  times  through- 
/ 

out  the  day,  namely,  to  her  little  hand- 
maid and  special  attendant,  as  well  as 
Vestal  in  the  Temple,  Sarthia. 

Sarthia,  who  at  the  very  beginning  of 
the  Chants  and  Litany,  had  failed  in  her 
part  and  had,  with  such  a  pitiable  moan 
and  beseeching  glance  at  her,  been  hastily 
withdrawn  from  the  assembly  and  assisted 
to  the  private  courts. 

Poor  child,  she  thought,  the  strain 
upon  her  emotions,  the  solemn  occasion, 
was  too  great  for  her  in  view  of  the 
crisis,  which  all  unknown  to  her,  must 
be  now  impending.  However,  upon  learn- 


The  Revelation  of  the  Astrologer.      17 

ing  from  an  attendant  that  the  young 
girl  was  resting  quietly  and  apparently 
not  ill,  she  had  not  herself  personally 
visited  her,  but  concluded  to  wait  until 
morning. 

Once,  twice,  thrice,  just  as  the  Priestess 
had,  as  it  were,  passed  the  border-land  of 
sleep  the  pale  face,  with  its  pleading  eyes 
and  plaintive  cry,  had  started  her  back  to 
vivid  consciousness. 

"Ah!  this  will  never  do,"  she  said, 
springing  to  her  feet.  "Something  is  in- 
deed wrong,"  and  taking  up'  her  mantle 
she  glided  swiftly  through  the  corridors, 
and  a  few  moments  later  was  bending 
over  the  silent  and  motionless  form  of 
Sarthia. 

Noiseless  as  had  been  the  approach  of 
the  Priestess  some  interior  vibration  had 
informed  Sarthia  of  her  coming  and,  with 


1 8  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

a  quivering  and  swift  movement,  she 
sprang  from  her  couch  and  threw  herself 
impulsively  into  the  arms  of  the  Priestess. 

"Ah!  sweet  Mother,  well  beloved  of 
our  blessed  and  divine  Isis,  hear  me  and 
help  me,"  said  the  girl,  in  a  whisper,  tense 
and  low,  so  low  as  only  to  reach  the 
listening  ear  of  the  Priestess. 

"  Speak  child,"  answered  the  Priestess, 
caressingly  clasping  Sarthia  to  her  bosom 
with  one  strong  arm,  and  with  the  other 
making  soft,  mesmeric  passes  over  her 
trembling  body. 

"Ah!  thank  you,  sweet  Mother;  this  is 
so  good  and  kind  of  you  to  come  to  me 
to-night.  I  have  suffered  so  all  day  from 
your  thought;  you  have  been  disap- 
pointed in  your  Sarthia  and  with  reason, 
too.  A  Vestal,  who  all  but  faints  at  the 
sight  of  death,  is  not  made  of  the  stuff  re- 


The  Revelation  of  the  Astrologer.      19 

quired  in  the  Temple  Service.  But,  be- 
lieve me,  dear  Priestess,  the  trouble  is  far 
deeper  than  appears  upon  the  surface. 
The  Ritual  this  morning  but  furnished 
the  occasion  or,  rather,  hastened  some 
crisis  that  was  already  near  at  hand.  For 
some  time  now  I  am  haunted  by  most 
potent  premonitions  of  a  violent  death. 
Night  after  night,  dark  apparitions  hang 
around  my  bed,  and  only  last  night  I 
awoke  to  find  the  Bird  of  Nu,  the  Owl, 
from  out  the  inner  Sanctuary  of  the 
Temple,  perched  upon  my  pillow  and 
shaking  his  head  and  croaking  at  me 
most  mournfully." 

"  What! "  exclaimed  the  Priestess. 
"The  Bird  of  Nu.  Ah!  this  is  indeed 
very  serious.  The  matter  must  be  inves- 
tigated at  once.  But,  my  child,  if  all 
these  portents  prove  true,  do  you  fear 


2O  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

death?  Have  all  our  teachings  been  in 
vain?  Have  you  made  so  little  progress 
in  knowledge  and  the  philosophy  of  ex- 
istence as  to  be  overcome  by  dark 
shadows  and  grow  faint  in  the  presence 
of  the  sentiment  and  show  of  an  external 
ceremony  ?  The  pageantry,  which  appeals 
so  overwhelmingly  to  the  emotions  of 
the  outside  world,  is  the  necessary  means 
of  teaching  the  people  these  awful  and 
stupendous  mysteries  of  life  and  death. 
But  the  Initiate"  should  be  sustained  by 
actual  experiences  within  these  hidden 
realms  and  possess  a  knowledge  of 
their  inner  nature  which  places  him  on  a 
plane  far  above  the  reach  of  Fear;  be- 
sides being  endowed  with  that  burning 
love  for  wisdom  which  calmly  discerns 
good  jn  evil,  and  immortal  life  in  the 
shadow,  called  death.  Do  not  think  I  am 


•The  Revelation  of  the  Astrologer.      21 

chiding  you,  my  child.  I  am  only  seek- 
ing to  recall  my  real  Sarthia,  who  is  in- 
capable of  Fear,  back  to  this  physical  ex- 
pression called  body. 

"There,  already  the  bright  soul  shines 
again  with  its  usual  clear  light.  Hold  it 
firmly  and  do  not  let  it  flicker  so  again,  and 
now  I  must  leave  you  to  seek  an  inter- 
view with  the  chief  of  the  Astrologers. 
The  record  and  Horoscope  of  your  birth 
must  be  carefully  looked  up,  and  the 
meaning  of  these  portents  determined. 
Good-night,  my  child." 

With  a  kiss,  fond  and  maternal,  the 
Priestess  withdrew.  She  proceeded  leis- 
urely and  thoughtfully  toward  a  distant 
part  of  the  Temple,  having  first  dis- 
patched a  messenger  before  her  to  an- 
nounce her  coming,  seeking  an  audience, 
well  knowing  that  at  this  now  early  hour 


22  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

of  morning  the  Astrologer  Priests  would 
all  be  in  the  midst  of  their  busiest  studies, 
calculations  and  most  profound  observa- 
tions. 

But  Sarthia,  when  left  alone,  although 
marvelously  calmed  and  comforted  by  the 
tender  presence  and  lofty  words  of  her 
idolized  Priestess  could  not  compose  her- 
self to  sleep.  Instead,  she  soon  floated 
into  a  state  of  restful  contemplation, 
drifting  from  one  topic  to  another,  un- 
til suddenly  she  found  herself  confronted 
by  a  most  intensely  vivid  and  startling 
vision.  "Can  it  be?"  Yes,  true  enough, 
there  sat  the  venerable  Astrologer  hold- 
ing in  his  hand  before  him,  her  chart  of 
birth.  Beside  him,  engaged  in  complet- 
ing the  necessary  calculations,  sat  the 
scribe  and  youthful  Astrologer  Priest, 
Hermo.  There  was  a  strange  pallor  over 


The  Revelation  of  the  Astrologer,      23 

his  face  and  a  compression  of  the  lips 
which  betrayed  unusual  emotion.  The 
Priestess  was  partially  facing  them,  com- 
posed, yet  with  a  serious  thoughtfulness 
of  mein. 

Atlast,  Hermo,lookingup,  said,  "The 
directions  for  the  present  year  of  life  are 
made  out,  and  the  fatal  arc  carefully  com- 
puted, Venerated  Master,"  and  handed 
his  work  to  the  Astrologer  who  took  it, 
studied  a  moment  briefly,  and  turned  to 
the  Priestess. 

"What  is  the  result,  Venerated  Fath- 
er?" she  asked  gently. 

The  Astrologer  slowly  shook  his  head 
and  replied  impressively,  "According  to 
all  the  laws  of  our  Science,  and  you  know 
how  true  they  are,  the  physical  organism 
of  Sarthia  can  not  survive  this  present 
cycle  of  yonder  fair  Goddess  of  the  night." 


24  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

And,  with  a  majestic  move,  he  pushed 
aside  a  curtain,  revealing  the  Moon  now 
low  in  the  west. 

"So  short  a  time,"  said  the  Priestess. 
"To-morrow  night  will  be  the  full,  and 
must  we  indeed  lose  our  Sarthia  before 
another  new  Moon  ?  What  is  the  nature 
of  these  evil  influences?"  . 

"The  planets,  in  their  configurations, 
indicate  sudden  and  violent  dissolution," 
was  the  reply. 

"  Ah,  now,"  said  Sarthia  to  herself 
resolutely,  at  this  point  turning  away  from 
the  vision,  "now  I  understand  it  all,"  and 
with  a  feeling  of  amaze  at  her  newly- 
attained  clairvoyance  she  fell  into  a  deep 
and  refreshing  sleep. 


CHAPTER  II. 

IN    THE    PRESENCE    OF    THE    HIEROPHANT. 

With  the  first  waking  moments  a 
sharp  pang  recalled  to  Sarthia  the  vision 
and  its  revealments  of  the  previous  night. 
But  her  mind  had  fully  recovered  its  phil- 
osophic tone  and  she  proceeded  about 
her  customary  routine  of  duties,  calm 
and  firm,  and,  as  is  often  the  case,  in  view 
of  some  inevitable  and  stupendous  catas- 
trophy  close  at  hand,  life  only  seemed 
larger,  more  intensely  real.  So,  when 
later  in  the  day  she  received  summons  to 
meet  the  great  Hierophant  and  High 
Priest,  what,  at  any  other  time,  would 
have  seemed  a  most  momentous  event, 


26  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

appeared  now  only  in  the  light  of  the 
expected  and  necessary. 

As  she  was  ushered  into  the  presence 
of  the  Holy  Father  the  whole  apartment 
seemed  pervaded  by  an  atmosphere  of 
genial  warmth  and  electrical-giving  life 
which  somehow  emanated  from  the  inner 
nature  of  the  Priest  himself,  radiating 
also  spiritual  and  mental,  as  well  as  phys- 
ical force. 

For  some  moments  the  Hierophant 
regarded  the  young  Vestal  in  silence,  but 
Sarthia  was  conscious  that  he  was  reading 
her  inmost  thought  and  motive  like  an 
open  book,  even  down  to  her  vision  of 
the  Astrologer  and  his  fatal  announce- 
ment regarding  her  life. 

"My  child,"  he  said  at  length,  "are 
you  ready  for  the  great  change  now  al- 
ready at  hand?" 


In  the  Presence  of  the  Hicrophant.     27 

"  No,  Father,  not  ready  but  resigned 
to  what  seems  to  be  the  inevitable  decrees 
of  the  planets  that  rule  my  physical  des- 
tiny." 

"Thou  hast  well  said  thou  art  not 
ready.  Your  life  has  yet  but  only  begun 
for  you.  Its  experiences,  its  many  lessons 
and  duties,  are  all  unlearnt  and  you  would 
pass  to  the  spirit  world  immatured. 
Your  young  soul,  like  fruit  plucked  from 
the  tree  too  soon,  would  ripen  slowly, 
losing  many  of  its  flavors  and  never 
attaining  certain  of  its  best  and  highest 
qualities,  for  as  you  well  know,  progress 
in  the  next  stage  of  existence  depends 
upon  the  attainments  in  this. 

"Thou  art  not  ready,  yet  say  you 
are  willing  to  bow  to  the  inevitable.  This 
is  wise,  still  have  you  not  heard  it  said 
many  times  that  man  is  the  arbiter  of  his 


28  IVithin  the  Temple  of  his. 

own  destiny  and  that  the  soul  was  the  in- 
heritor of  God-like  powers  by  which  it 
could  rise  to  the  plane  whereby  it  ruled, 
instead  of  obeying  the  blind  or  planetary 
forces  of  Nature?" 

"  True,  O  Venerated  Father,  I  have 
indeed  heard  all  this,  but  I  am  very  igno- 
rant. Are  there  such  possibilities  for  my 
soul?"  and  somehow  imperceptibly  hope 
began  to  dawn  within  her  heart  and 
quicken  the  life  forces. 

"  Ruling  the  blind  forces  of  Nature  is 
very  like  ruling  the  wild  beast,  although 
the  beast  is  much  stronger  than  man  and 
capable  of  tearing  him  to  pieces,  yet  man, 
by  forethought,  can  evade  or  trap  and 
chain  or  otherwise  overcome  him.  So 
my  child,  there  are  ways  wherein  man, 
assisted  by  his  own  knowledge,  and  by  the 
instruction  of  departed  spirits;  aye,  by 


In  the  Presence  of  the  Hierophant.     29 

the  immortal  Gods  themselves,  can  evade 
even  the  malefic  planets  in  their  devastat- 
ing course. 

"  To  my  clairvoyant  vision,  as  I  now  at 
this  moment  look  at  you,  every  minute 
atom  of  your  physical  organism  is  in  the 
subtle  process  of  depolarization  from 
unity  toward  chaos  and  disintegration. 
You  are  not  yourself  conscious  of  this 
condition  only  as  it  has  been  revealed  to 
you,  for  your  soul  is  so  alive  that  it  has 
become  almost  unconscious  of  its  physical 
expression  and  for  this  very  reason  the 
shock  of  dissolution  would  be  all  the 
greater  when  it  did  come;  for  example, 
witness  your  unexpected  collapse  yester- 
day morning.  Ah!  sudden  death  is  a 
most  deplorable  calamity,  and  your  piti- 
able state  of  mind  was  but  a  foretaste  of 
what  would  be  the  state  of  your  soul  for 


30  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

many  long  years,  if  you  had  died  then, 
and  will  yet  be,  to  a  less  extent  now,  unless 
this  swift-coming  blow  can  be  evaded. 

"  However,  in  case  the  worst  comes  to 
worst,  you  have  about  ten  days  more  of 
this  external  life  and  under  our  special 
care  and  preparation  you  can  live  years 
of  experience  in  hours  of  physical  time, 
and  your  soul  thus  equipped  may  cour- 
ageously enter  upon  its  journey  to  the 
spirit  world.  Rest  assured,  my  child, 
everything  possible  shall  be  done  for  you." 

"Ah,  thank  you;  thank  you,  kind  and 
good  Father,"  exclaimed  Sarthia,  casting 
herself  at  the  feet  of  the  Hierophant  and, 
with  tears  streaming  from  her  eyes,  kiss- 
ing the  hem  of  his  robe. 

"  But,  truly  life  is  sweet,  especially  to 
the  young,  is  it  not,  my  child?"  said  the 
Priest,  gently  raising  Sarthia  to  his  side 


In  the  Presence  of  the  Hieorpkant.     31 

and  holding  her  trembling  form  in  a  firm 
clasp.  "Happily,  there  is  an  alternative 
which  we  have  to  offer  for  your  most 
careful  consideration  and  decision. 

"Listen  now,  and  give  me  your  closest 
attention.  Know  you  the  young  Princess 
Nu-nah?"  Sarthia  bowed  assent. 

"For  now  these  many  weeks  she  lies 
in  a  semi-conscious  condition,  the  soul 
hovering  about  its  earthly  temple  uncer- 
tain whether  to  go  or  stay.  In  some 
respects  her  condition  corresponds  with 
your  own,  only  that  with  you,  as  dissolu- 
tion approaches,  your  soul  grows  brighter 
and  more  active,  while  hers  becomes  more 
and  more  latent;  this  result  being  largely 
the  difference  of  environment — a  contrast 
of  the  soul  unfoldment  possible  in  Temple 
life  and  that  amid  the  distractions  of  the 
outside  world. 


32  Within  the  Temple  oj  Isis. 

"  To-night,  the  night  of  the  full  Moon, 
the  Princess  Nu-nah  will  be  brought  to 
the  Temple  and  the  Rites  performed  ini- 
tiatory to  the  soul's  great  change.  You, 
also,  my  child,  must  bear  her  company. 
The  same  journey  lies  before  you  both 
and  you  can  go  hand  in  hand  through  the 
dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death. 

"And  now,  right  here  is  a  point  where 
all  will  depend  upon  your  decision.  It  is 
possible  for  us,  by  aid  of  the  arts  of  Magic 
known  to  us,  to  bring  your  two  souls  in 
such  magnetic  rapport  that  at  a  certain 
point  the  vibrations  of  the  two  will,  for  a 
single  instant  of  time,  be  in  unison.  At 
that  momentous  instant  the  polarity  of 
the  two  souls  can  be  interchanged  so  that 
the  subsequent  vibrations  of  your  soul  will 
draw  you  toward  Nu-nah's  body,  while 


In  the  Presence  of  the  Hierophant.     33 

Nu-nah's  soul  will  be  drawn,  toward  your 
organism,  and  thus  will  be  accomplished 
the  first  great  step  in  the  drama. 

"This  great  change  will  hasten  the 
physical  crisis  in  each  organism.  But 
your  soul,  while  connected  with  Nu-nah's 
body,  can  easily  overcome  the  malefic 
planetary  influences  which  would  destroy 
it  if  she  were  there;  while  her  soul  in  your 
bod}*  renders  nil,  by  its  very  non-resist- 
ance, the  influences  which  would  be  abso- 
lutely fatal  were  you  still  there  when  the 
evil  descends.  And  thus  do  you  evade 
the  blind  forces  of  Nature.  Two  lives 
are  spared  for  the  duties  and  experiences 
of  this  world.  This  will  be  the  second 
part  of  the  drama,  and  now  comes  the 
third  and  last  point  to  consider,  the 
Result. 

"  In   just   the   proportion   as  this  is  a 


34  Within  the  Temple  of  Is  is. 

most  stupendous  change  in  your  soul  life, 
so  indeed,  perhaps,  even  appalling  to  your 
present  comprehension,  will  be  the  effect. 

"After  your  soul  has  once  entered  its 
new  temple  it  will  be  obliged  to  remain 
there  polarized  by  the  new  forces  set  in 
operation  while  passing  the  crisis.  Then, 
Sarthia,  our  bright  and  well-beloved 
Vestal,  will  henceforth  be  known  as 
Princess  Nu-nah,  and  will  be  obliged  for 
a  time  to  live  the  life  and  perform  the 
duties  of  the  Princess. 

"On  the  other  hand,  the  Princess 
Xu-nah  will  put  on  the  external  body  of 
our  Vestal  Sarthia  and  enter  upon  the 
life  of  the  Temple  Service,  but  with  this 
difference;  that  while  this  change  is  con- 
sciously made  by  you,  Nu-nah  will  prob- 
ably never  know  it  until  she  passes  finally 
to  the  spirit  world.  Her  past  life  has 


In  the  Presence  of* the  Hierophant     35 

already  faded  from  memory  while  con- 
sciousness of  the  new  life  will  dawn  grad- 
ually as  upon  an  infant,  and  therefore, 
since  she  can  not  be  consulted  in  the  mat- 
ter, the  decision  rests  solely  with  you. 

"To-night,  at  midnight,  your  answer 
will  be  required.  Until  then,  fare  thee 
well,  and  God  be  with  you." 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE    MIDNIGHT    OF    THE    FULL    MOON. 

It  yet  lacked  several  hours  of  the  fate- 
ful midnight,  as  Sarthia,  her  body  per- 
fumed and  annointed,  according  to  the 
prescribed  rites,  was  borne  by  faithful 
attendants  from  the  bath  into  the  courts 
of  the  Sanctuary  and  placed  upon  a  couch 
beside  another,  upon  which  already  rested 
the  unconscious  form  of  the  lovely  Prin- 
cess Nu-nah. 

But  Sarthia,  although  to  an  external 
observer  as  unconscious  as  the  fair 
Nu-nah,  was  never  more  intensely  awake, 
every  atom  of  her  being  and  soul  alert  to 
all  transpiring  about  her  and  conveyed  to 
her  through  her  marvelous  new  gifts  of 
clairvoyance  and  clairaudience. 


The  Midnight  of  the  Full  Moon.      37 

Never,  with  the  external  eye,  had  she 
seen  more  vividly  the  vista  upon  vista  of 
columns  and  corridors  winding  in  and 
about  the  Sanctuary,  now  illuminated  by 
the  full-orbed  Queen  of  the  Night,  which 
she  could  see  shining  through  a  certain 
archway,  and  her  heart  thrilled  as  she 
counted  the  number  of  archways  fair  Luna 
must  pass  until,  at  midnight,  she  would 
shine  down  through  the  one  just  above  her. 

Already  had  begun  the  weird  chants, 
interspersed  with  solos  of  exquisite  har- 
monies of  stringed  and  wind  instruments 
— responses  and  echoes. 

Incense  burned  and  perfumes  arose 
and  blended  in  an  indescribable  union 
with  melody  and  motion,  while  as  the 
fragrant  vapors  from  the  burning  censers 
wafted  and  wreathed  about  the  colonnades 


38  Within  the  Temple  of  f sis. 

and  porticoes,  Spirit  forms  added  their 
presence  to  the  sublime  scene,  bringing 
with  them  flowers,  aromas  and  harmonies 
from  the  divine  abodes  of  the  very  Gods 
themselves. 

Oblivious  of  the  passage  of  time,  while 
intently  absorbed  in  every  minutest  detail 
of  the  wonders  passing  about  her,  Sarthia 
was  almost  becoming  drowsy,  when  sud- 
denly, the  Moon  looked  in  upon  her,  fast 
nearing  the  final  archway,  and  yet  she 
was  undecided.  She  turned  and  gazed 
upon  her  companion,  mentally  asking, 
"Can  I  become  Nu-nah?" 

Nu-nah  was  very  beautiful  and  a 
Prirjcess.  But  Sarthia  was  also  beautiful 
and  the  blood  in  her  veins  was  royal, 
though  of  a  different  branch  from  the 
present  ruling  House. 

Nu-nah  was  cold  and  haughty,  accus- 
tomed to  rule  and  be  obeyed. 


The  Midnight  of  the  Full  Moon.     39 

Sarthia  was  humble  externally,  a  Vestal 
of  the  Temple,  but  in  her  mind  and  soul 
as  imperious  as  a  Queen  of  the  realm  of 
Heaven.  Passionately  devoted  to  the 
pursuit  of  Wisdom  and  the  possibilities  of 
obtaining  knowledge,  even  Magic  was 
open  to  her,  in  the  Temple  Service. 
Could  she  leave  her  Temple  home,  her 
opportunities  for  growth,  her  idolized 
Priestess,  to  go  into  the  environments  of 
Nu-nah? 

The  thought  seemed  to  her  worse  than 
death  itself.  "  Every  one  has  to  die,"  she 
mused,  "and  I  may  as  well  die  one  time 
as  another." 

Then  another  thought  came  into  her 
mind — Hermo.  He  had  begun  to  teach 
her  the  mysteries  of  his  science  of  Astrol- 
ogy. Hermo,  for  whom  she  had  a  pure 


4O  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

sisterly  regard  and  who  was  so  proud  of 
her  swift  proficiency  in  his  favorite  study. 
And  then  she  recalled  the  vision  of  the 
previous  night  when  Hermo  had  shown 
to  her  clairvoyant  eye  his  agitation  at  her 
impending  doom. 

"But  if  I  become  Nu-nah  and  Nu-nah 
becomes  Sarthia,  Hermo  will  never  know 
the  difference  and  thus  be  spared  the  pain 
of  loving  his  young  sister.  And  further- 
more, Nu-nah  has  a  lover  to  whom  she  is 
betrothed  and  would  have  married,  ere 
this,  but  for  her  lingering  malady,  the 
superb  young  Prince  Rathunor,  whom  I 
have  never  seen." 

Ah!  here  was  indeed  a  most  dire  com- 
plication. Love  was  a  most  mysterious 
and  unknown  emotion  to  her.  She  might 
hate  Prince  Rathunor  and  "then  we 
would  both  wish  I  had  died,"  and  she  half 


The  Midnight  of  the  Full  Moon.     41 

laughed  to  herself  at  the  domestic  comedy 
thus  presented  to  her  mind. 

At  this  period,  either  as  a  reaction  from 
the  light  thrown,  or  lighter  thought  upon 
her  overwrought  nature,  or  possibly  from 
some  subtle,  potent  influence  emanating 
from  the  censer  burning  near  her,  Sarthia 
lapsed  into  sudden  and  most  profound 
unconsciousness. 

A  few  moments  later — it  seemed  to 
Sarthia  as  if  ages  had  intervened — she 
began  a  fierce  struggle  to  awake.  "  Why, 
how  is  this?"  she  thought.  She  seemed 
enveloped  in  a  dead  wall  of  some  kind. 
The  brain,  the  heart,  the  infinite  ramifica- 
tion of  nerves  in  no  way  responded  to  her 
will  and  her  utmost  effort.  Almost  worn 
out  with  the  unequal  battle  it  began  to 
dawn  upon  her  that  she  was  really  endeav- 
oring to  animate  the  other  body.  "Am  I 


42  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

becoming  Nu-nah?"  Yes,  in  the  excite- 
ment of  the  moment  she  raised  herself 
upon  her  couch  and,  resting  upon  her 
elbow,  gazed  upon  the  rigid  form  of  what 
a  moment  before  had  been  herself. 

But  her  movement  had  startled  a  form 
beside  the  couch,  some  one  who  had  ap- 
proached, unobserved  by  Sarthia,  during 
the  interval  of  unconsciousness. 

A  young  man  who  seemed  to  her  the 
most  God-like  being  she  had  ever  beheld 
and  perceiving  her  glance,  with  a  low  ex- 
clamation of  joy,  sprang  toward  her, 
clasped  her  hand  in  his,  and  turning  her 
face  upward,  gazed  with  most  passionate 
tenderness  into  her  eyes. 

"My  Nu-nah,  you  will  live,"  he  mur- 
mered.  "  Do  you  know  your  Rathunor?" 

Thrilled  to  suffocation  by  the  love  in 
his  eyes,  every  atom  of  her  soul  vibrating 


The  Midnight  of  the  Fidl  Moon.     43 

to  a  new-born  and  overwhelming  emotion, 
she  felt  herself  slowly  but  surely  losing 
control  of  her  new  body.  With,  however, 
one  supreme  effort  she  pressed  the  hand 
holding  hers  and  returning  the  look  in 
his  eyes  she  gave  one  deep,  quivering 
sigh  and  was  gone.  .42 

When  again  she  regained  conscious- 
ness she  was  within  her  own  body.  Ra- 
thunor  had  vanished  and  the  first  slanting 
rays  of  the  Moon  were  descending  the 
last  aperture. 

It  was  midnight,  and  she  found  herself 
in  communication  with  the  Hierophant, 
who,  from  a  different  portion  of  the  Sanc- 
tuary, was  seriously  regarding  her  and 
again  reading  her  inmost  thoughts. 

A  few  moments  before  she  had  all  but 
decided  that  she  could  not  be  Nu-nah,  that 
death  now,  here  in  this  Holy  Sanctuary 


44  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

were  better  far  than  hundreds  of  years  as 
a  Princess  of  the  realm  of  materiality. 
But,  a  new  factor  had  now  entered  her 
being.  A  force,  more  subtle  than  all  Wis- 
dom,— more  potent  than  life  or  eternity 
itself, — had  transfused  her  soul — Love! 
Love,  the  first,  the  highest,  the  all-em- 
bracing force  of  the  mighty  Universe,  and 
with  this  new  love  had  been  ushered  also 
into  being,  Jealousy. 

"  Rathunor  loved  Nu-nah!  Am  I  not  a 
strange  interloper?  Was  it  not  worse  by 
my  decision  to  rob  Nu-nah  of  her  lover 
than  to  deprive  her  of  continued  physical 
life?" 

For,  it  seemed    to  her   now,  that  life 
without   love   would   be    more   than    the- 
agonies  of  the  lowest  hells.     Then  again, 
to  live  with  Rathunor  as  his  wife,  while 
he  all  the  time  thought  her  to  be  Nu-nah, 


Tke  Midnight  of  the  Full  Moon.     45 

would  be  an  incessant  torture,  keener  and 
more  intense  than  if  she  were  chained  by, 
as  a  third  person,  to  behold  him  loving 
the  actual  Nu-n.ah  in  her  own  body. 

"  Holy  Father  and  revered  Hiero- 
phant,"  she  moaned,  "  help  me,  I  can  not 
decide." 

"  My  child,"  came  the  mental  response 
to  her  call,  'if  you  could  be  assured  that 
Rathunor  would  love  you  in  Nu-nah's 
body,  would  the  decision  be  easy?" 

"  Aye,  indeed,  dear  Father." 

'  Then  rest  assured  it  will  be  as  you 
desire.  We  give  you  our  sacred  word 
that  Rathunor  will  \oveyou." 

Then,  raising  his  arm,  as  in  benedic- 
tion, he  slowly  repeated  thrice,  like  an 
incantation,  the  words,  "Rest  in  Peace," 
and,  ere  the  echoes  of  his  voice  had  died 
away,  the  soul  of  Sarthia  had  left  forever 
its  earthly  abode  and  Temple, 


CHAPTER  IV. 

WITHIN  THE    ADYTUM. 

For  several  days,  after  floating  from 
her  body  into  the  Astral  world,  Sarthia 
remained  in  a  state  of  profound,  dream- 
less slumber  and  then  gradually  passed 
into  a  condition  of  semi-consciousness 
with  occasional  fitful  gleams  of  memory 
until  one  day  she  realized  herself  in  close 
proximity  to  two  persons  engaged  in 
earnest  conversation  and  became  fully 
aware  of  the  momentous  events  that  had 
just  transpired  and  her  present  disem- 
bodied situation.  And  with  a  thrill  in- 
describable she  recognized  the  voice  of 
Rathunor  addressing  the  Hierophant. 

"  And   so,    most    revered    Father,   al 


Within  the  Adytum.  47 

things  are  progressing  favorably  and  to- 
ward a  satisfactory  culmination?"  he  said. 

"  Even  so,  my  son,"  was  the  reply. 
"  And  yet,  continued  the  Prince,  save  the 
one  momentary  gleam  of  recognition, 
upon  the  first  night  of  the  ceremonies,  the 
soul  of  the  Princess  Nu-nah,  to  all  out- 
ward appearance,  has  left  entirely.  The 
body  is  sustained,  apparently,  by  some 
magical  process,  the  nature  of  which  I  do 
not  understand." 

"  True,  my  son,  but  that  need  not  dis- 
quiet you.  The  resources  of  Nature  are 
many  and  far  from  being  exhausted.  But 
then,  youth  is  naturally  impatient.  "  Did 
you  so  deeply  love  the  Princess?" 

At  this  point  Sarthia  would  have  with- 
drawn but  she  found  that  her  desire  to 
stay  chained  her  to  the  spot,  and  glanc- 
ing at  the  Hierophant  she  realized  that 


48  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

her  presence  was  known  to  him  and  that 
he  wished  her  to  remain. 

The  Princess  mused  thoughtfully  for 
a  few  moments  before  replying  and  then 
said  with  a  half  sigh,  "  You  know,  O 
Father,  that  I  myself  did  not  particularly 
desire  that  marriage.  From  my  earliest 
childhood  I  have  been  fond  of  my  cousin 
and  playfellow.  As  she  matured  I  have 
admired,  with  family  pride,  her  perfect 
beauty  of  form,  her  haughty  spirit  and 
her  ability  to  rule.  And  yet,  as  you,  who 
can  so  easily  read  the  innermost  secrets 
of  the  heart,  must  know  I  have  not  been 
able  to  discern  the  happiness  for  myself 
in  this  union  that  my  soul  would  crave, 
or  that  you  led  me  to  expect  in  wedded 
love.  If  my  ambition  irresistibly  im- 
pelled me  to  fill  the  external  destinies  of 
mankind,  to  become  a  monarch  of  unsur- 


Within  the  Adytum.  49 

passed  power  and  magnificence,  then 
would  Nunah  be  the  royal  consort  abso- 
lutely adapted  for  such  pride  and  pomp. 
But,  you  know,  O  Father,  all  these  things 
are  as  empty  bubbles  and  child  toys  to  one 
aspiring  to  become  a  Priest  King,  to  him 
who  hungers  and  thirsts,  day  and  night 
for  wisdom,  for  knowledge  of  the  more 
inner  secrets  of  Nature,  guarded  so  jeal- 
ously by  the  Priesthood  but  revealed  by 
the  very  Gods  themselves  to  those  worthy 
to  know  and  fit  to  use  and  assist  in  carry- 
ing out  the  plans  and  orderly  workings 
of  the  very  Universe  itself. 

In  form  and  feature  Nu-nah's  image 
meets  my  highest  ideal,  but  when  I  would 
speak  of  the  thoughts  and  ambitions  upon 
\\hich  my  soul  dwells,  then  her  cold 
look  of  incomprehension  appalls  me  with 
the  vast  difference  in  our  natures.  Her 


5O  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

thoughts  can  never  penetrate  the  realm 
wherein  my  life-forces  are  all  centered. 
Never  have  I  experienced  from  her  the 
response  my  love  would  crave." 

"  Have  you  then  never  at  any  time  felt 
that  Nu-nah's  love  for  you  could  be  trained 
and  in  time  evolved  to  the  plane  whereby 
she  would  respond  to  you? " 

"  Nu-nah  does  not  seem  capable  of  the 
love  of  soul.  She  accepts  me  as  a  lover 
due  her,  and  whose  attention  and  presence 
gratify  her  pride  and  vanity.  Never  once, 
or  perhaps  only  once,  have  I  ever  seen  or 
imagined  I  saw  a  recognition  of  love,  and 
that  was  the  night  of  the  full  Moon,  dur- 
ing the  recent  ceremonies.  As,  with 
your  permission,  I  for  a  moment  drew 
near  the  couch  on  which  she  reposed,  she 
suddenly  raised  to  a  half-sitting  position 
and  seemed  strangely  startled  by  my  pres 


Within  the  Adytum.  51 

ence.  With  a  thrill  of  hope,  that  finally 
love  was  awakening,  I  sprang  forward 
and  spake  anxiously  and  fondly  to  her. 
For  the  first  time  in  all  my  life  her  glance 
vibrated  to  my  heart's  very  core.  My 
brain  reeled  with  intoxication  as  she 
pressed  my  hand,  and  the  love  from  her 
eyes  burns  now  into  my  soul  as  I  recall 
that  one  second  of  bliss.  But,  alas!  she 
fell  back  into  her  former  lifeless  state 
and  lingers  so  until  I  am  in  doubt  if  after 
all  it  were  not  some  illusion  connected 
with  the  wonderful  Magic  of  that  night." 

"Nay,"  said  the  Hierophant,  "I  can 
assure  you  that  what  you  experienced  was 
veal  and  that  if  this  matter  reaches  a  suc- 
cessful issue  you  will  henceforward  find  in 
Nu-nah  all  that  your  soul  desires,  that 
ever  will  her  eager'  spirit  lead  yours  in  the 
pursuit  of  knowledge  and  the  highest 
wisdom." 


52  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

Then  the  Hierophant  turning,  men- 
tally addressed  Sarthia,  the  unseen  wit- 
ness of  the  interview,  "Am  I  not  right  in 
making  this  pledge  for  you  to  Rathunor? 
Think  you  we  have  also  fulfilled  our 
promise  that  Rathunor  shall  love  you?" 

But  her  heart  was  too  full  to  reply. 
He  then  directed  her  attention  to  her 
location  and  surroundings  and  for  the 
first  time  she  became  aware  with  amaze- 
ment, almost  terror,  that  she  was  within 
"THE  SACRED  ADYTUM  -  -  THE  HOLY  OF 
HOLIES,"  while  the  Hierophant  and 
Rathunor  were  within  an  adjoining  court 
and  private  apartment  of  the  High  Priest. 

"My  child,"  said  the  Hierophant  in 
reply  to  her  speechless  inquiry  as  to  the 
meaning  of  this  wonder,  "  there  are  no 
barriers  to  the  disembodied  soul.  This 
place,  so  religiously  guarded,  so  inacces- 


Within  the  Adytum.  53 

sible  to  the  ordinary  mortal,  is  open  to  any 
soul  having  passed  a  certain  grade  of 
initiation  into  the  divine  mysteries  of 
Nature  and  attained  unto  that  purity  of 
heart  whereby  man  may  see  his  God. 

"  To-morrow  night,  on  the  occasion  of 
the  new  Moon,  will  be  consecrated  within 
this  Holy  Chamber,  the  union  of  your 
soul  with  that  of  Rathunor's  and  here  also 
will  be  consummated  that  mystic  transfer 
between  your  soul  and  that  of  Nu-nah's. 

"And  now,  I  leave  you  here  while  I 
accompany  Rathunor.  As  you  gradually 
lapse  into  the  sweet  silence  of  this  Holy 
place,  observe  the  meaning  of  some  of 
the  stupendous  mysteries  of  Nature  re- 
vealed here  openly  to  the  one  having  eyes 
to  see  and  possessing  the  gift  of  under- 
standing." 

Her  first  sensation  on  being  left  alone 


54  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

was,  that  she  was  floating  like  the  vapor 
of  a  breath  upon  the  swaying  wreaths  of 
burning  incense,  and  as  she  reclines  thus 
in  blissful   repose  there  dawned  upon  her 
vision  a  view  of  the  vast  Temple  in  its 
absolute  entirety.     It  assumed  the  strange 
outline  of  a  gigantic  human  body,  all  its 
intricacies  becoming  orderly  correspond- 
encies of  the  human  organism  in  its  mul- 
titudinous  ramifications.      Then    all   the 
vast   ceremonial  of   this  body  passed  in 
review   before  her  mind,  each  rite  sym- 
bolic of  some  function,  physical,  mental 
and  spiritual,    and    she  marveled    at  the 
adaptability   of   the  parts  to   each   other 
and  then  to  the  grand  whole. 

But,  above  all,  was  she  impressed  by 
the  depth  in  depths  of  meaning  of  this 
Sacred  Adytum  in  its  symbolic  relation  to 
the  whole  structure.  However,  ere  she 


Within  the  Adytum.  55 

could  tarry  to  reflect,  the  nature  of  the 
vision  changed  as  if  her  eye  had  been 
turned  suddenly  from  the  lense  of  a 
Microscope  to  that  of  an  immense  Tele- 
scope. Before  her  view  stretched  the 
starry  Zodiac,  in  outline,  the  same  as  its 
prototype,  the  human  body — the  Grand 
Temple.  The  Sun  and  its  solar  system 
corresponding  to  various  vital  functions 
in  the  human  organism,  but  the  crowning 
wonder  of  all  came  as  she  comprehended 
the  relation  which  our  planet,  mother 
Earth,  bore  to  the  Grand  Man  of  the 
skies,  and  her  soul  was  overwhelmed  as 
all  the  implications  of  this  relation  rushed 
in  upon  her  being. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE    TRANSFER. 

According  to  the  calculations  made  by 
the  chief  Astrologer  Priest  it  was  just  at 
midnight  that  the  conjunction  of  the 
luminaries  took  place  in  the  Zodiacal  sign 
belonging  to  the  Moon.  This  union  of 
the  luminous  orbs  of  the  day  and  night 
is  powerfully  magical  in  its  results. 

The  vibrations,  set  in  motion  by  this 
mighty  union  of  the  positive  and  negative 
forces  of  Nature,  react,  not  only  upon  the 
waters  and  the  Earth,  but  the  human 
family.  Not  only  does  the  mighty  ocean 
obey  this  wonderful  influence  in  the  ebb 
and  flow  of  its  tides,  but  the  Earth,  as  she 


The  Transfer.  57 

rotates  upon  her  axis,  obeys  this  mighty 
power  and  manifests  in  her  depths  and 
heights  in  her  serpentine  movement  about 
the  Sun. 

Nature's  laws  are  very  exact  and  man, 
to  become  the  Arbiter  of  his  own  destiny, 
must  blend  his  energies  in  harmony  with 
those  of  Nature. 

Agreeable  to  appointment  and  the 
arrangements  to  be  made  it  was  necessary 
for  the  Hierophant  and  the  Holy  men  of 
the  Temple  to  assemble  at  an  early  hour, 
although  the  Transfer  was  not  to  take 
place  until  midnight. 

Much  preparation  was  necessary  as  a 
most  momentous  ceremony  was  to  be  per- 
formed this  night;  one  that  rarely  ever 
was  performed,  owing  to  the  fact  that  few 
of  the  Temple  Priests  were  initiated  into 
these  sacred  Magical  Rites.  They  were 


58  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

too  Sacred  and  Holy  to  be  imparted  to 
many,  too  dangerous  for  possible  failures, 
too  infinite  in  responsibilities  accompany- 
ing such  undertakings.  Only  those  where 
the  mind,  soul  and  spirit,  blended  as  one  in 
their  organism,  were  ever  entrusted  with 
the  interior  knowledge  of  the  Sacred 
Adytum — The  Holy  of  Holies. 

Only  the  invocations  were  to  be  made, 
the  chants  and  ceremonies  belonging  to 
the  Holy  Sanctuary  were  to  be  observed. 
The  air  was  ladened  with  the  sweet  fra- 
grance of  incense  and  those  subtle  per- 
fumes that  are  so  delightful  and  enticing 
to  the  soul.  Hours  before  the  solemn 
Rites  were  to  be  performed,  every  part  of 
the  Holy  Temple  must  be  permeated  with 
their  magical  and  mystical  influence. 

The  bodies  of  both  Sarthia  and  Nu-nah 
lay  in  state  before  the  Altar  in  the  Holy 


The  Transfer.  59 

Sanctuary,  both  robed  and  perfumed  as 
if  for  burial. 

The  Hierophant  of  the  Temple,  the 
Priests  and  the  Lay  Priests,  and  the 
Priestesses  with  their  Vestal  Virgins,  were 
now  assembled  in  their  respective  places. 

The  hour  of  midnight  had  arrived. 
The  chants  now  begun,  set  in  vibration 
the  spiritual  forces  that  appeal  only  to  the 
soul  and  spirit. 

.The  subtle,  silent  will  of  the  High 
Priest  mentally  commanded  the  presence 
of  the  departed  spirit  of  Sarthia.  At  his 
bidding,  she  came  floating  toward  him, 
and  when  within  a  certain  distance  from 
her  inanimate  body,  she  remained  hover- 
ing over  it.  Most  willingly  and  joyfully  she 
came,  knowing  the  promise  of  the  High 
Priest  would  be  realized  when  she  became 
able  to  animate  and  control  the  body  and 
mind  of  what  was  still  Nu-nah's, 


60  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

Rathunor  was  present  at  the  urgent 
request  of  the  Priest.  He  little  dreamed 
why  his  presence  was  so  much  desired, 
and  how  he,  who  was  so  ignorant  of  the 
.  Temple  rules  and  service,  could  be  of  any 
assistance. 

A  spark  had  been  kindled  within  his 
very  soul,  the  night  that  Sarthia  found 
herself  in  Nu-nah's  temple  and  for  a 
moment  consciously  remembered  and 
spoke,  that  had  been  burning  deeper  and 
deeper  until  now,  it  was  ready  to  burst 
forth  as  an  ever-living  flame  at  the  first 
breath  of  hope  that  this  new  emotion  was 
of  the  soul — real  and  immortal. 

Did  he  dare  for  a  moment  listen  to 
the  whispering  of  the  interior  self  ?  Fear 
alone  made  him  drive  back  and  quell  the 
monitions  that  sprang  from  within,  for  O, 
if  they  were  only  vain  hopes  could  he  sur- 


The  Transfer.  61 

vive  the  disappointment?  The  thought 
was  crushing,  and  better,  he  thought,  not 
to  hope  than  believe  an  illusion. 

The  magnetic  chord  that  yet  held 
Nu-nah  to  her  frail,  prostrated  body  had 
not  yet  been  severed.  The  unconscious 
soul  hung  or  rather  floated  about  its 
temple,  apparently  waiting  for  a  stronger 
force  from  the  interior  realm  to  call  it 
away. 

The  Hierophant  stepped  to  the  front 
of  the  Altar  and,  raising  his  hands,  in- 
voked the  presence  of  the  Gods  and 
their  assistance  in  this  Sacred  ceremony 
of  making  that  Transfer  of  the  spiritual 
life-line  that  binds  the  spirit  to  soul,  and 
soul  to  body. 

As  the  two  souls  hung  suspended  by 
these  magnetic  life-chords  above  their 
own  bodies,  through  the  magical  influ- 


62  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

ences  of  the  Priests,  the  chants  and  music 
came  closer  and  closer,  as  if  drawn  to- 
gether by  some  strong  magnetic  attraction. 

Sarthia,  now,  as  well  as  Nu-nah,  was 
unconscious  of  what  was  taking  place. 
Nu-nah's  was  the  natural  unconscious 
state  of  an  undeveloped  soul  in  passing 
from  the  physical  temple  to  the  realms 
beyond,  while  Sarthia's  was  purposely 
induced  by  the  magical  will  of  the  Oper- 
ator. 

The  middle  of  the  mystical  hour  had 
just  been  reached  when  the  two  life-lines 
met  and  blended  for  one  single  instant, 
then  separated  and,  obeying  the  powerful 
wills  of  the  Priests,  became  polarized  in 
each  other's  body. 

The  magical  invisible  agency  that  had 
been  animating  the  body  of  Sarthia  was 
now  withdrawn,  and  the  soul  of  Nu-nah's 


The  Transfer.  63 

gradually  but  faintly  began  to  supply  the 
animating  force  to  revive  and  control  the 
apparently  lifeless  form. 

Sarthia's  spiritual  consciousness  was 
not  immediately  allowed  to  return.  The 
awakening  must  be  gradual  to  her,  for 
knowing  what  was  being  done,  the  joy 
and  ecstacy  of  a  prolonged  life  in  the  holy 
bonds  of  pure  love  with  Rathunor  would 
be  disastrous  if  suddenly  conveyed  to 
her  consciousness. 

The  High  Priest,  turning  to  Rathunor, 
said,  "Our  beloved  pupil,  return  now  to 
your  usual  duties,  but  fail  not  to  return  to 
the  Temple  a  little  before  twelve  o'clock 
to-morrow  night." 

Now  the  bodies  of  Sarthia  and  Nu-nah 
were  removed  to  another  part  of  the 
Temple.  The  Priestesses  and  Vestals, 
with  the  chori  and  musicians,  were  dis- 


64  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

missed  as  the  first  part  of  the  solemn  and 
sacred  Rites  was  over,  but  the  Priests 
remained,  never  stopping  in  their  magical 
work,  for  yet  the  vibrations  of  the  new- 
born souls  were  not  of  sufficient  strength 
and  power  to  remain  unassisted,  espe- 
cially that  of  Nu-nah's. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE    AWAKENING. 

The  constant  presence  of  some  of  the 
Priests  of  the  Temple  had  been  near  the 
bodies  of  Nu-nah  and  Sarthia  continu- 
ously for  the  last  twenty-four  hours,  and 
by  their  magic  assistance  the  vibrations 
of  the  souls  to  their  new  tenements  grew 
stronger  and  quite  harmonious. 

The  hour  of  midnight  was  again  near 
at  hand.  The  reviving  forms  of  the  two 
young  girls  were  again  brought  into  the 
Holy  Sanctuary  of  the  Temple  and  placed 
in  front  of  the  Altar  and  the  Hierophant 
who  had  already  taken  his  position. 

The    Priestesses   of   the  Temple  with 


66  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

their  Vestals  were  quietly  and  solemnly 
wending  their  way  to  their  usual  places. 
The  choir  had  begun  to  chant  the  opening 
service  when  Rathunor  with  one  of  the 
Priests  approached  with  slow  and  meas- 
ured strides  as  if  a  false  movement  would 
disturb  the  solemnity  of  this  midnight's 
mystic  silence. 

As  they  approached  the  spot  where 
the  two  bodies  lay,  there  was  a  percepti- 
ble movement,  as  of  consciousness  in  the 
silent  form  of  Nu-nah. 

Just  as  the  distant  chimes  pealed  forth 
their  announcement  of  the  midnight  hour 
the  Hierophant  arose  and  stepped  forth 
to  the  front  of  the  Altar  and,  at  a  silent 
signal,  there  broke  forth,  as  of  one  voice, 
the  low-distant  strains  of  the  most  en- 
chanting music.  The  voices  and  the 
tones  from  the  musical  instruments  were 


The  Awakening.  67 

so  harmoniously  and  wonderfully  blended 
that  the   result  was   magically  effective. 
The  strains    increased   in    volume — they 
seemed  to  approach  nearer  and  nearer— 
until    the  whole   edifice    resounded    and 
re-echoed  as  though  filled  with  one  vast 
orchestra   sounding  forth  the  Anthem  of 
Creative  Life,  "We  Praise  Thee,  O  God." 
This   enchanting  music  continued  for 
some   time,  then  gently  died  away  until 
only    the   breathings  of    music    could   be 
heard,  when    the    Hierophant   raised  his 
hands  as  if  in  supplication.     The  solemn, 
awful    stillness    of    the    hour    was    awe- 
inspiring. 

Once,  twice,  thrice,  the  voice  of  the 
Hierophant  resounded  throughout  the 
Sanctuary  as  he  thus  spoke  to  their  souls: 

"  Arise,  O  ye  daughter  of  Isis,  come 
forth  and  again'  enter  the  daily  lives  of 


68  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

a  Vestal  and  a  Princess.  Many  years  now 
are  granted  to  your  service,  and  now  that 
you  have  both  been  beyond  the  dividing 
line  of  this  and  the  other  plane,  your 
lives  henceforth  should  be  guided  and 
influenced  by  that  experience." 

At  this  he  descended  from  the  Altar 
and  took  the  helpless  hand  of  Sarthia  to 
magically  convey  to  the  silent,  lifeless 
body  the  electric  forces  of  life. 

Turning  to  Rathunor,  who  stood  near, 
beckoning  him  to  his  side,  he  took  his  hand 
and  led  him  to  that  which  was  Nu-nah's 
body,  and  gently  raising  the  apparently 
lifeless  hand  of  the  silent  form  placed  it 
within  that  of  Rathunor's.  The  effect 
was  indeed  magical. 

Rathunor  was  held  spell-bound,  the 
thrilling  sensations,  the  emotions  that 
sprang  forth  from  the  heart  were  electri 


The  Awakening.  69 

fying.  He  could  feel  the  tense  vibrations 
passing  from  his  hand  to  that  of  her  body, 
the  source  of  which  he  could  not  fathom 
nor  understand,  and  little  did  he  care  at 
that  moment  when  he  perceived  the  slight 
tremor  that  was  creeping  over  the  here- 
tofore lifeless  form  of  his  Princess  Nu-nah. 
Here,  Rathunor  would  have  been  over- 
come by  his  emotions  of  joyful  bliss  and 
thrown  himself  prostrate  at  the  feet  of 
the  Priest  in  thankful  gratitude  for  the 
restoration  to  life  of  his  lovely  Nu-nah, 
had  not  the  Hierophant  just  at  this  mo- 
ment laid  his  hand  upon  Rathunor's 
shoulder  saying,  "  My  child,  have  you  be- 
come unconscious  of  the  place  and  the 
occasion,  and  the  solemn  promise  you 
gave  me  to  bravely  follow  my  instructions 
without  a  show  of  weakness.  Let  not  an 
outward  manifestation  of  your  feelings 


70  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

escape  you  again.  Are  you  yourself 
again?" 

With  a  mighty  effort  of  his  will  Rathu- 
nor  commanded  an  outward  calm  at  least, 
but  he  could  not  speak,  he  could  only  bow 
his  head  in  assurance  and  being  told  to 
retain  the  hand  of  Nu-nah,  the  Priest 
continued  audibly,  "  In  the  name  of  the 
Almighty  and  ever-living  God  I  now 
join  these  two  souls  as  one.  May  their 
consciousness  of  this,  their  soul-union, 
dawn  upon  their  outward  memory  as  time 
proceeds,  and  then  journey  together  in 
conscious  union  on  the  eternal  path  of 
progress  to  the  Divine  Throne  of  God. 
Amen!  Amen!" 

Rathunor  heard  but  did  not  under- 
stand  and  being  overcome  by  the  silent 
over-powering  influence  surrounding  him, 
fell  insensible  to  the  floor  beside  the  re- 
viving form  of  Nu-nah. 


The  Awakening.  71 

As  soon  as  he  had  been  conveyed  to 
an  outer  court,  the  Hierophant  again  con- 
tinued. Turning  his  attention  to  Sarthia, 
mentally  he  called  three  times,  "Nu-nah, 
Nu-nah,  Nu-nah,  henceforth  you  shall  be 
known  as  Sarthia  the  Vestal.  May  the 
guardian  angels  that  have  been  placed 
over  your  reviving  body,  keep  and  hold 
the  soul  with  it  until  health  of  body  and 
strength  of  mind  returns.  God  bless  our 
new-found  Vestal.  Amen." 

As  the  last  echo  of  the  Priest's  voice 
died  away  the  music  burst  in  a  joyful 
song  of  praise,  and  continued  until  the 
bodies  of  each  of  the  young  girls  were 
removed.  Sarthia's  to  that  formerly  oc- 
cupied by  the  Vestal,  and  Nu-nah's  to 
that  of  the  home  of  the  Princess. 

Rathunor  soon  revived  in  the  fresh 
air  of  the  outer  court  and  now  being  sum- 


72       .     Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

moned  by  a  messenger  from  the  Hiero- 
phant  presented  himself  again  before  him. 
"  My  son,"  said  the  High  Priest,  "go 
to  the  home  of  the  Princess  and  remain, 
either  with,  or  near  her  until  three  cycles 
of  seven  shall  pass  by.  At  the  end  of 
twenty-one  days  you  may  return  to  your 
own  home  and  enter  the  accustomed  life 
of  a  Prince,  until  that  time  shall  come 
when  the  Prince  of  the  world  shall  enter 
the  path  that  leads  to  a  King  of  Wisdom," 
and  with  a  fervent  press  of  the  hand  and 
a  benediction  for  his  soul's  welfare  he  bid 
him  good-night  and  retired  from  the  Holy 
Sanctuary. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A    VISIT   TO    THE    CHIEF    ASTROLOGER. 

A  few  weeks  after  the  preceding  cer- 
emonies, a  messenger  announced  to  the 
Astrologer  Priest  that  the  Priestess  sought 
an  interview. 

Hermo  was  at  his  post  making  the 
usual,  daily  calculations  for  the  Priest. 
As  the  Priestess  entered,  Hermo  arose, 
and  was  about  to  withdraw,  when  the 
Priestess,  by  a  wave  of  her  hand,  gave 
him  to  understand  his  presence  was  re- 
quired. 

The  Priestess  began,  "  O,  most  Vener- 
ated Father,  I  come  again  to  ask  assist- 
ance, with  your  astrological  knowledge, 


74  Within  the  'Temple  of  his. 

in  behalf  of  Sarthia.  The  memory  of 
the  past  seems  to  be  entirely  blotted  out. 
Is  there  any  aspect  showing  that  memory 
will  return,  and  if  not,  at  what  time  do 
the  planets  indicate  a  commencement  of 
the  training  of  the  mind  that  will  bring  a 
successful  issue  in  spiritual  things?  We 
will  have  to  commence  with  her  as  a  child 
and  train  the  body,  mind  and  so*il  to 
Vestal  Service." 

The  Astrologer  turned  to  Hermo  and 
said,  "  Hear  you  the  request  of  our 
Priestess  here?  Make  note,  and  see  at 
what  time  the  planets  point  favorably  to 
the  initiation  of  our  new  Sarthia  into  the 
Temple  Service  of  Isis." 

"How  is  our  new  Sarthia?"  inquired 
the  Priest. 

"  Nothing,  as  yet,"  answered  the  Priest- 
ess, "  But  that  does  not  disturb  my  hope 


A  Visit  to  the  Cfiief  Astrologer.       75 

and  faith  that  she  will  become  all  that  we 
wish  and  desire  of  her,  and  instead  of 
having  but  one  Vestal  we  shall  have  two, 
for  ere  long  Nu-nah  will  also  be  numbered 
among  our  Vestals,  and  Rathunor  as  one 
of  our  Priests." 

Thanking  the  Priest  for  his  promised 
service  the  Priestess  withdrew. 

The  Astrologer  returned  to  his  studies 
and  was  soon  absorbed  with  them,  when, 
suddenly  he  turned  to  Hermo  and  said, 
"Hermo,  I  shall  place  Sarthia  under  your 
special  tutelage  as  soon  as  she  is  ready  to 
commence  her  studies  in  Astrology." 

The  suddenness  of  the  Priest's  remarks 
quite  confused  the  young  scribe  and  set 
him  to  seriously  thinking.  Strange 
thoughts  came  into  his  mind,  "why  should 
Sarthia  not  continue  her  studies  with  me, 
why  would  she  become  a  special  and  not 
a  fellow  student?" 


76  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

He  could  not  account  for  these  strange 
thoughts  that  had  been  excited  within  his 
mind,  and  the  rest  of  the  hours  of  work 
did  not  show  the  usual  amount  accom- 
plished. 

At  an  early  hour  the  next  night,  before 
Hermo  had  arrived  for  his  night's  work, 
the  Astrologer  Priest  sent  for  the  Priest- 
ess. She  hastily  responded  to  the  sum- 
mons feeling  there  was  some  very  impor- 
tant news  to  be  received.  As  soon  as  she 
entered  the  Priest  said,  "  Most  noble 
Priestess,  I  find  by  the  calculations  made, 
that  not  before  another  month  may  our 
infant  child,  Sarthia,  be  initiated,  as  a 
pupil,  into  the  Temple  of  Isis.  Two  days 
before  the  full  Moon  the  spiritual  rays 
will  be  most  active  and  potent,  and  being 
of  so  harmonious  a  nature  we  may  hope 
for  the  most  satisfactory  results.  The 


A  Visit  to  the  Chief  Astrologer       77 

task  will  be  slow  and  require  much 
patience,  my  Priestess,  for  the  hereditary 
tendencies  of  the  brain,  that  have  so  far 
influenced  that  soul's  life  and  experiences, 
will  have  to  be  polarized  in  other  channels 
and  gradually  awakened  to  consciousness. 
The  life  of  the  body  it  has  been  animat- 
ing in  past  years  was  not  of  such  a  nature 
as  to  mature  a  healthy  soul. 

"  The  work  now,  with  our  new  Sarthia, 
is  with  the  Soul,  to  make  it  equal  to  the 
brain  that  has  been  cultivated  and  en- 
larged in  spiritual  ways;  while  with  Nu- 
nah,  the  work  will  be  in  arousing  and 
developing  that  brain  to  the  conscious  re- 
sponse of  the  matured  soul.  Do  I  make 
myself  plain  to  you?  In  my  young  pupil, 
Hermo,  we  will  have  a  most  valuable  as- 
sistant in  our  work  with  Sarthia,  for  I 
have  discovered  that  the  divine  relation 


78  Within,  the  Temple  of  his. 

of  brother  and  sister  exists  between  them. 
They  are  blest  with  being  the  emanations 
from  the  same  divine  state  and  children 
of  the  same  spiritual  parents.  I  spoke  to 
Hermo  of  Sarthia  last  night,  at  the  same 
time  willing  that  my  new  discovery  might 
be  imparted  to  his  soul,  which  I  could  see 
had  been  partially  accomplished. 

"We  will  allow  them  often  in  each 
other's  society,  and  that  holy  love  of 
brother  of  sister,  and  sister  of  brother, 
which  can  only  be  kindled  in  the  outer 
heart  when  this  spiritual  relation  exists. 
"  This  will  soon  be  recognized  by  each 
of  them,  and  this  alone  will  be  a  most 
potent  influence  in  nourishing  and  teach- 
ing the  soul  of  Sarthia.  Nothing  lies  in 
Sarthia's  path  that  portends  serious  evil 
for  many  years  to  come.  Therefore,  my 
good  Priestess,  take  new  hope  and  cour- 


A  Visit  to  the  Chief  Astrologer.       79 

age,  and  not  many  Moons  will  grow  and 
wane  before  an  inward  pride  will  be  born 
for  your  new  Vestal." 

The  Priestess  retired  after  thanking 
him  most  cordially,  and  could  hardly  con- 
ceal her  emotions  of  joy  and  rapture  until 
she  was  safe  in  her  own  apartments,  where 
she  could  give  full  vent,  in  tears  and  cries 
of  joy  and  gratitude. 

As  soon  as  all  traces  of  the  effects, 
which  this  knowledge  had  produced,  were 
erased,  and  she  became  perfectly  calm 
and  composed,  she  sought  Sarthia's 
chamber.  The  young  girl  was  reclining 
upon  a  couch  that  had  been  drawn  near 
the  window,  apparently  much  absorbed  in 
studying  the  heavens.  Scarcely  did  she 
notice  the  presence  of  the  Priestess  until 
she  knelt  beside  her  and  said,  ''What 
thoughts  are  being  born  in  my  Sarthia's 


8o          Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

mind  as  she  views  the  mighty  heavens 
above  with  its  millions  of  silent  monitors, 
awaiting  our  pleasure  to  read  and  under- 
stand? Are  they  speaking  to  my  darling 
child?  Do  you  hear  their  silent  voices 
and  feel  their  subtle  and  powerful  influ- 
ences upon  you?" 

The  young  girl  did  not  reply  immedi- 
ately. The  body  was  still  very  weak  and 
feeble,  the  mind  was  as  one  just  awaken- 
ing from  a  prolonged  slumber. 

"  My  beloved  Priestess,  did  you  speak 
to  me  of  the  stars,  those  loving  lights  in 
the  heavens?  They  do  seem  to  speak, 
but  I  can  not  understand  and  know  what 
they  say.  Do  you,  dear  Mother,  and  can 
you  tell  me  ?" 

This  first  ray  of  awakening  memory 
was  more  radiant  to  the  Priestess  than  a 
thousand  stars  could  have  produced  if  all 
their  rays  could  have  blended  into  one. 


A  Visit  to  the  Chief  Astrologer.      81 

But  calmness  was  her  external  bearing. 
Seldom  any  manifestation  of  an  unusual 
emotion,  was  permitted  to  find  an  out- 
ward expression  either  in  manner  or 
speech.  She  had  attained  that  perfect 
command  of  herself  that  neither  joy  nor 
sorrow,  good  nor  evil,  praise  nor  blame, 
could  unbalance  the  perfect  poise  and 
tranquillity  of  her  developed  Soul. 

"  My  Sarthia,"  replied  the  Priestess,  "  I 
can  not  know  what  they  are  saying  \.Q  you, 
but  they  do  speak  to  me.  They  tell  me 
that  life  is  immortal,  that  the  growth  and 
the  progress  of  the  soul  are  eternal,  that 
we  may  know  and  read  their  language 
while  in  these  bodies  if  we  try;  then  as 
we  draw  nearer  and  nearer  to  them,  as 
our  souls  grow  and  become  familiar  with 
their  teachings,  we  can  know  them  as 
well,  if  not  better,  than  our  Astrologer 
Priests  do,  also  as  well  as  your  brother 
Hermo  is  learning  to  do." 


82  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

"  My — brother — Hermo,"  and  there 
was  a  perceptible  light  of  intelligence  in 
the  eyes  for  a  moment. 

The  Priestess  was  not  speaking  to  the 
mind,  but  to  the  soul,  at  the  same  time 
willing  to  find  a  response  there.  The 
mere  words  availed  nothing  to  her,  only 
in  so  much  as  they  expressed  the  long- 
ings and  desires  of  the  interior  self. 

As  Sartha  said  no  more,  the  Priestess 
arose  and,  moving  quietly  about  the 
room,  gave  a  few  directions  and  cautions 
to  those  in  attendance,  then  presently 
withdrew. 

That  night  was  passed  by  the  Priestess 
in  her  own  private  chamber,  not  in  sleep 
and  rest,  but  actively  and  earnestly  en- 
gaged in  silent  prayer  for  her  new-born 
children,  Nu-nah,  Sarthia  and  Rathunor- 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

PRINCESS    NU-NAH. 

The  morning  following  the  Priestess' 
visit  to  Sarthia's  apartments,  she  sent  a 
messenger  to  inquire  for  the  welfare  of 
Princess  Nu-nah. 

She  was  reported  to  have  slept  well, 
seemed  much  stronger,  but  a  peculiar 
change  had  taken  place  during  her  almost 
fatal  illness.  She  spoke  strangely,  almost 
weirdly  at  times,  which  excited  much 
comment  and  anxiety  amongst  her  imme- 
diate friends  and  relatives. 

The  Princess  had  been  a  general  favor- 
ite and  much  admired  by  those  occupying 
the  same  station  in  life  with  herself;  but 
by  those  who  were  subject  to  her  com- 


84  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

mands  and  rule,  she  was  looked  upon  as 
cold,  stern,  and  heartless,  kind  in  her  way 
when  obeyed,  but  the  slightest  disobedi- 
ence brought  scornful  reproaches  and 
often  punishment. 

The  Priestess,  knowing  the  source  of 
the  peculiar  change  spoken  of,  felt  that 
all  was  well.  No  other  attention  than 
the  presence  of  Rathunor  was  needed. 
The  developed  soul  of  the  Vestal  Sarthia 
would  soon  come  into  control  of  the  brain 
she  was  now  trying  to  find  expression 
through. 

Then,  too,  the  organs  of  the  brain  that 
Sarthia's  soul  would  naturally  vibrate, 
had  never  become  active,  nor  devel- 
oped; they,  as  it  were,  were  dormant, 
fast  asleep,  awaiting  the  pulsating  vibra- 
tions of  the  spiritual  influx  to  give  them 
life  and  usefulness.  While  those  that 


Princess  Nu-nah.  85 

had  been  so  fully  developed  in  the  brain, 
by  the  life  of  the  Princess,  found  no  cor- 
responding vibrations  from  the  soul. 

Truly,  a  strange  commingling  of  the 
two  opposing  forces,  and  one  in  which 
time  was  required  to  bring  about  perfect 
adjustment. 

The  High  Priest  had  commanded  all 
visitors  to  be  excluded,  except  Rathunor, 
who  was  to  have  access  at  all  times,  and 
as  the  Hierophant's  word  was  that  of 
God  to  them,  so,  purely  from  a  religious 
standpoint,  they  were  strictly  obeyed. 
While  the  Priestess  and  others  of  the 
Temple  knew  the  secret  of  the  Priest's 
strict  injunctions,  they  likewise  knew  that 
none  of  Sarthia's  associates  dared  ap- 
proach, lest  their  presence  would  too 
suddenly  awake  to  consciousness  the 
slumbering  soul,  before  the  brain  had  yet 


86  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

fully  responded  and  vibrated  to  the  new 
animating  spark  of  life. 

Rathunor,  most  of  all,  observed  the 
change  in  the  Princess;  at  the  slightest 
touch  there  was  a  response  within — his 
very  presence  struck  the  chords  of 
sympathy  that  existed  between  them. 
This  was,  to  him,  a  very  unaccountable 
change.  In  all  his  life  association  with 
Nu-nah  these  emotions,  that  now  seemed 
to  spring  from  the  soul,  had  never  before 
been  experienced.  He  was  very  much 
inclined  to  attribute  it  to  an  abnormal 
sympathy  aroused  by  her  sickness  and 
terrible  suffering.  Still,  the  words  of  the 
High  Priest  haunted  him  and  the  feelings 
born  from  within,  on  the  night  of  the 
solemn  Rites  at  the  Temple,  could  not  be 
vanished  by  any  amount  of  reasoning; 
still  he  would  not  allow  such  thoughts  to 


Princess  Nu-nah.  87 

• 

be  nourished  by  the  slightest  hope — much 
less  be  watered  by  the  spirit  of  faith  and 
allowed  to  grow.  Although  Rathunor 
was  brave  in  external  pain,  and  daringly 
courageous  in  acts  of  chivalry,  he  was  an 
infant  when  subject  to  disappointment. 
Here  was  the  battle  of  self  going  on. 

"  Have  I  the  strength  and  manly  cour- 
age to  bear  the  disappointment  born  from 
a  delusive  hope?  Not  yet."  So  he  suffered 
and  heeded  not  the  whisperings  from 
within,  until  he  could  not  endure  it  any 
longer,  when  he  sought  the  presence  of 
the  Hierophant  for  advice  and  enlighten- 
ment. Scarcely  able  to  hold  in  check  his 
impatience  he  burst  forth  without  the 
recognition  due  the  superior  presence  of 
a  High  Priest. 

"  O,  most  Holy  and  Revered  Father, 
tell  me,  am  I  wrong  in  not  listening  to 


88  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

the  monitions  that  are  racking  my  inmost 
being?  May  I  hope  the  love  that  is 
growing  within  my  soul  will  be  surely 
recognized  and  reciprocated  by  Nu-nah 
on  her  return  to  physical  health?  Is  this 
love  a  vain  delusion  on  my  part,  an  imagi- 
nation born  from  sympathies  that  will 
vanish  as  soon  as  health  is  restored  and 
we  enter  the  whirl  of  the  social  world 
again  ?  If  it  is  in  thy  power,  O  Father,  tell 
me  the  truth.  Repeat  thy  assuring  words 
once  more,  and  I  will  be  guided  by  them 
in  the  future,  and  never  again  allow  the 
shadow  of  doubt  to  cross  the  threshold  of 
my  mind." 

"  My  child,"  said  the  High  Priest, 
"  once  more  I  assure  you  of  the  loving 
response  of  Nu-nah's  soul  and  mind,  as 
soon  as  she  is  herself  again.  But,  mark 
you  well,  at  the  return  of  consciousness, 


Princess  Nu-nah.  89 

be  not  rash  in  any  of  your  words  or  acts; 
remember,  her  return  to  life  is  as  a  new- 
born babe — weak,  tender  and  easily  im- 
pressed by  stronger  minds  and  wills  than 
its  own.     You  are  the  stronger  at  present, 
and    all     patience    and    indulgence    are 
exacted  from  you.     Let  her  imaginations 
and  fancies  play  as  they  will  for  awhile; 
yours  must  be  calm,  loving,  sympathetic 
and   unwavering  in  hope  and  faith  that 
all  will  eventually  be  well;  and  again,  I 
assure  you  that  not  many  years  shall  pass 
before  you  will  enter  the  path  and  the  life 
your  soul   is  now  longing  for.     Princess 
Nu-nah  will  more  than   compensate  you 
for  all  the  kind  attentions  you  now  bestow 
upon   her   in   the    guiding,  teaching  and 
leading  your  soul  in  the  paths  to  spiritual 
knowledge  and  the    spiritual  life,   while 
still  inhabiting  the  physical  form. 


9O          Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

"  The  hungerings  of  your  soul  shall  be 
more  than  satisfied  by  her  ministering 
spirit.  The  interior  consciousness  will 
gradually  dawn  upon  you  both,  but  to 
Nu-nah  first."  Then,  taking  Rathunor  by 
the  hand,  he  continued,  "Doubt  no  more, 
my  child,  have  faith  in  the  Infinite 
Wisdom  that  guides  and  directs  the 
struggling  soul  through  the  intricate  ways 
of  evolution  up  to  the  final  consciousness 
of  Immortal  Life.  God  be  with  and  bless 
you." 

Rathunor  had  no  words  to  express 
his  gratitude.  But  they  would  have  been 
useless  to  the  Hierophant,  for  the  new- 
born light  that  shone  forth,  though  dimly, 
was  more  to  the  Priest  than  a  world  of 
words. 

He  merely  looked,  bowed,  and  with  a 
ervent  pressure  of   the  hand,  was  gone 


Princess  Nu-nah.  91 

from  the  presence  of  the  Holy  Priest.  As 
he  retraced  his  steps  toward  the  home  of 
Princess  Nu-nah,  a  holy  calm  pervaded 
his  whole  being;  his  doubts  fled  as  an 
enemy;  his  excitement  was  transformed 
into  tranquil  earnestness;  a  sublime  sense 
of  the  realities  of  life  filled  his  brain,  and 
a  willingness  to  await  the  progress  and 
development,  that  time  would  bring  forth 
and  mature,  possessed  him,  until  he  was 
so  changed  that  he  scarcely  recognized 
himself. 

Was  this  change  volitional? 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  INITIATION. 

Days  of  weary  watching,  and  toilsome 
care  that  the  new-born  Vestal  would  not 
be  misled  in  her  awakening  thoughts, 
were  necessary.  The  body  needed  but 
little  care  other  than  the  proper  nourish- 
ment and  attention  of  any  one  in  usual 
health.  Sarthia's  physical  organism  had 
not  become  depleted  by  disease  and 
suffering,  and  the  disorganization  that 
had  commenced  was  checked  by  the 
magical  agent  that  had  been  placed  over 
it,  even  before  Sarthia  had  entirely  left  it. 

The  lethargy  was  more  mental  than 
physical.  It  was  that  semi-consciousness 
that  precedes  sleep,  or  that  one  some- 


The  Initiation.  93 

times  experiences  when  awakened  sud- 
denly out  of  a  deep,  profound  slumber. 

The  Priestess  visited  her  many  times 
throughout  the  day  when  she  could  spare 
the  time  from  her  duties  in  the  Temple. 
In  the  course  of  a  few  days  Sarthia 
was  able  to  be  assisted  in  short  walks 
about  the  halls  and  corridors,  but  took 
little  heed  of  things  about  her.  Day  by 
day,  the  body  grew  stronger  and  a  new 
light  began  to  dawn  in  the  eyes  and  shone 
upon  the  countenance  of  the  fair  young 
girl. 

In  the  meantime,  Hermo  had  been 
apprised  by  the  Astrologer  Priest  of  the 
true  relation  existing  between  himself 
and  Sarthia.  His  joy  knew  no  bounds, 
for  neither  his  heart  nor  soul  had  ever 
thrilled  with  the  love  of  mother,  sister,  or 
kindred.  It  had  been  his  misfortune  to 


94          Within  the  Temple  of  /sis. 

be  deprived  of  his  parents  before  his 
young  mind  and  heart  could  be  moved  by 
the  tender  emotions  of  love,  but  now  it 
needed  no  more  than  the  Priest's  revela- 
tions to  kindle  into  flaming  fires  that 
something,  he  knew  not  what,  that  had 
been  smoldering  in  his  bosom  all  his  life. 

Now,  the  Astrologer's  words  were 
clear  and  the  cause  of  the  strange 
thoughts  that  were  excited  in  his  mind 
was  revealed.  Over  and  over  he  asked 
himself,  "  Can  I  wait  to  see  my  beloved 
sister?" 

His  impatience  became  equal  with  his 
joy,  and  days  that  had  before  passed 
as  moments  now  seemed  as  ages.  One 
morning,  much  to  the  Priestess'  surprise, 
a  messenger  announced  that  Hermo  de- 
sired an  interview  with  her  in  the  waiting- 
room  below.  The  Priestess  descended 


The  Initiation.  95 

to  where  Hermo  was  waiting  and,  with  a 
questioning  look  in  her  face,  clasped  his 
hand  in  a  firm  but  anxious  manner, 
inquired,  "  Is  all  well  with  our  young 
Astrologer,  Hermo,  this  morning.  Does 
he  bring  tidings  from  our  revered  Father? 
Has  any  new  testimony  been  given  by  the 
stars  that  portends  evil  to  our  Sarthia?" 

Hermo  stood  in  mute  astonishment. 
"  How  could  the  Priestess  receive-  such 
forebodings  from  his  presence  when  his 
whole  being  was  throbbing  with  pul- 
sations of  unbounded  happiness,"  he 
thought. 

"Nay,  my  dear  Priestess,  quite  the 
reverse.  Has  not  our  worthy  Father 
acquainted  you  with  my  new-found  joy, 
my  Love — my  Sister?  Know  you  not  the 
divine  relation  that  exists  between  Sarthia 
and  myself?  The  hours  have  seemed 


g6  Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

days  since  this  knowledge  was  revealed 
to  me  and  I  now  beg  to  see  my  new  sister 
and  walk  with  her  and  yourself  upon  the 
lawn  in  the  private  grounds  of  the 
Temple.  Can  my  request  be  granted,  Q 
Priestess  ?" 

She  still  retained  his  hand  and,  again 
pressing  it  warmly  between  her  own,  said, 
"Our  brave  and  noble  Hermo  deserves 
this  blessing  as  a  reward  for  his  honest 
toil  alone  in  his  struggle  for  Truth  and 
Knowledge.  Yes,  my  dear  Hermo,  I  was 
made  aware  of  the  relation  between  you 
and  our  new  Sarthia  and  have  been 
anxious  for  this  moment  to  arrive  when 
you  would  be  sent  to  escort  Sarthia  in 
her  daily  walks  about  the  grounds,  but  I 
caution  you  to  be  guarded  in  your  words. 
Remember  she  is  yet  but  an  infant  and 
must  be  taught  as  a  child.  Remain  here 


The  Initiation.  97 

and  I  will  go  and  bring  Sarthia  thither 
and  we  will  walk  together." 

It  was  not  long  before  the  Priestess, 
Sarthia  and  her  attendant  appeared.  The 
Priestess  was  leading  Sarthia  and  as  they 
approached  Hermo  placed  her  hand  in 
that  of  his  saying,  "Sarthia,  I  place  you  in 
the  care  and  protection  of  your  brother 
Hermo." 

'Hermo!  Hermo!!  My  brother  Her- 
mo?" said  Sarthia. 

To  the  penetrating  eyes  of  the  Priest- 
ess and  Hermo  the  light  of  consciousness 
was  mometariiy  seen  and  to  the  clairvoy- 
ant vision  of  the  Priestess  a  startling 
scene  was  beheld.  The  vibrations  of  soul 
to  soul,  the  love  that  had  been  kindled 
in  Hermo's  heart  and  soul  went  out  with 
such  intensity  that  it  aroused  into  a  vivid 
activity  the  slumbering  soul  of  Sarthia, 


98  Within  tJie  Tcnible  oj  his. 

and  the  brain,  being  already  so  finely 
tuned  to  the  higher  vibrations  of  the 
Spirit,  responded  at  once. 

The  fresh  air,  the  green  grass,  the 
beautiful  flowers  and  shrubbery,  with  the 
inspiring  presence  of  Hermo,  were  like 
magic  to  quicken  the  pulsations  of  body 
and  mind  and  bring  to  her  cheek  and 
eyes  the  flush  of  health  and  life.  Not 
much  of  the  conversation  was  directed  to 
Sarthia,  but  when  reference  to  the  stars 
was  made,  she  instantly  inquired,  "Brother 
Hermo,  do  the  stars  speak  to  you,  and  do 
you  knew  what  they  say?  Our  lovely 
Priesress  here  can  read  them,  and  how 
much  I  would  love  to  speak  with  them, 
too." 

"  I  will  teach  you  how  some  day,  my 
sister,  as  soon  as  you  are  able  to  com- 
mence your  studies." 

"Will  that  be  soon?" 


The  Initiation  99 

"Yes,  in  a  short  time;  so  soon  as  you 
become  an  attendant  in  The  Temple  of 
Isis." 

Sarthia  was  silent,  and  the  Priestess 
reminded  them  it  was  time  to  return,— 
Sarthia  to  her  room  and  Hermo  to  his 
studies,  while  the  Priestess'  presence  was 
required  in  the  Temple. 

These  walks  continued  daily  with  most 
satisfactory  results  to  the  Priestess  and 
the  Hierophant.  All  fears  of  the  perfect 
harmonizing  of  the  new  soul  to  the  body 
of  Sarthia  were  allayed.  The  animating 
spark  of  life  was  growing  stronger  and 
the  vibrations  from  soul  to  body  were 
complete;  not  with  consciousness,  but 
that  involuntary  vibratory  exchange  that 
exists  with  the  majority  of  the  people 
that  make  up  the  earth's  human  family. 


loo         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

As  only  the  higher  portion  of  the  brain  of 
Sarthia  had  been  active  the  soul  must 
necessarily  manifest  itself  through  those 
organs.  Often,  were  the  much  beloved 
Priestess,  Hermo  and  Sarthia's  attend- 
ants, surprised  at  her  expressions  and 
profound  questions  on  spiritual  subjects. 

It  was  nearing  the  time  when  Sarthia 
was  to  take  her  initiatory  step  as  a  Vestal 
in  the  Temple  of  Isis.  In  fact,  only  one 
more  day  intervened  before  the  ceremony 
was  to  take  place.  As  the  incidents  rela- 
tive to  the  transfer  were  known  to  all  the 
Temple  attendants,  it  was  looked  forward 
to  with  much  silent  rejoicing  and  grati- 
tude that  they  had  not  been  robbed  of 
their  lovely  Vestal  who  always  was  held 
in  sacred  esteem  by  them  all. 

All  had  been  notified  to  prepare  for 
the  Initiatory  service — the  music,  chants, 


The  Initiation.  101 

and  ceremonies  sacred  to  this  occasion, 
must  be  in  readiness.  The  night  had  ar- 
rived; the  fair  Goddess  of  the  night  shone 
forth  in  all  her  radiant  splendor,  seem- 
ingly conscious,  that  she  was  shedding 
forth  the  magnetic  influence  necessary  for 
the  sacred  Rites  now  about  to  be  per- 
formed. It  had  almost  reached  the  Zenith 
when  the  solemn  march  of  the  Priestesses, 
Vestals  and  attendants  that  were  to  con- 
duct Sarthia  to  the  Holy  Sanctuary  of 
the  Temple  started.  The  Priestess  walked 
beside  Sarthia.  Sarthia  was  clothed  in 
pure  spotless  linen,  her  head  was  bare 
with  the  exception  of  a  wreath  of  laurel 
leaves  that  rested  lightly  upon  her  flowing 
hair.  In  her  hands  she  carried  a  white- 
bound  volume  which  contained  the  songs, 
chants,  litany  and  regime  for  the  Vestals 
of  the  Temple. 


IO2         Within  the   Temple  of  his. 

Just  as  they  reached  the  door,  the 
High  Priest  arose,  and  simultaneously  the 
music  burst  forth  in  joyful  strains  that 
spoke  welcome,  courage  and  love  to  the 
heart  of  Sarthia.  When  they  reached  the 
foot  of  the  altar,  where  stood  the  Hiero- 
phant,  Sarthia  knelt  upon  a  velvet  cushion 
at  his  feet.  The  music  ceased  while  the 
High  Priest  stood  with  uplifted  hands  in 
silent  prayer.  At  a  signal,  the  choir  be- 
gan chanting  the  Litany.  Sarthia  was 
bidden  to  rise,  when  the  Priest,  in  meas- 
ured and  solemn  tones,  addressed  her: 

"  Do  you  come  to  pledge  yourself  to 
Temple  Service?  Is  it  your  desire  to  be- 
co.ne  a  Vestal  of  Isis?  Do  you  take  the 
pledge  of  celibacy  to  the  virgin  Rites  of 
the  Temple;  your  time,  energy  and  pur- 
pose to  be  devoted  to  the  duties  that  de- 
volve upon  a  Vestal?" 


7 he  Initiation.  103 

The  low,  clear  voice  of  Sarthia  was 
heard  throughout  the  Sanctuary  as  she 
bowed  and  answered  in  assent. 

"So  be  it,  my  holy  virgin.  I  now  com- 
mit your  soul  to  the  Guardian  Angels  of 
this  Sacred  Sanctuary  to  guide,  guard  and 
protect  your  budding  soul  to  perfect 
at-one-ment  with  its  divine  center,  that 
you  may  inherit  immortal  life  while  yet 
with  us.  Amen!" 

Sarthia  opened  the  book  within  her 
hands  and,  kissing  its  pages  which  she 
had  already  subscribed  to,  handed  it  to 
the  High  Priest.  He  took  it,  and  held  it 
in  his  left,  while  he  placed  his  right  hand 
upon  her  head,  and  said: 

"Ibid  thee  welcome,  my  Vestal  Sar- 
thia, and  commend  thy  soul  to  the  Gods 
above,  that  ever  keep  watch  o'er  the 
children  of  earth.  God  bless  thee.  Amen! 
Amen!" 


1O4        Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

Then,  as  if  they  were  voicing  the  words 
of  the  Hierophant,  the  chants  grew  louder, 
the  music  poured  forth  in  grander  tones 
as  though  to  join  the  invisible  hosts  above 
in  praise  to  God  most  high. 

The  ceremony  was  over  and  Sarthia 
was  conducted  back  to  her  chamber,  a 
Vestal  of  The  Temple  of  Isis.  The  occult 
powers  that  had  been  evoked  in  behalf 
of  Sarthia  soon  became  manifest  in  her 
daily  life.  The  zeal  and  zest  with  which 
she  pursued  her  studies  and  the  under- 
standing of  their  interior  meanings  were 
sufficient  evidence  of  her  teacher's  in- 
spiring influence.  She  was  soon  placed 
under  her  brother  Hermo's  instruction  in 
astronomical*  and  astrological  lore,  and 
here  also  displayed  a  proficiency  in  learn- 
ing that  surprised  Hermo  and  delighted 
the  Astrologer  Priests.  At  Temple  Serv- 


The  Initiation.  105 

ice  she  was  all  devotion  and,  as  an  Attend- 
ant, ever  true  and  faithful.  The  brother 
and  sister  became  devotedly  attached  to 
each  other  and  the  Priestess  often  ob- 
served this  attachment,  which  sent-a  pang 
through  her  heart,  lest  such  joy  and 
happiness  might  not  be  granted  Hermo 
for  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Then  in- 
stantly would  she  offer  a  silent  prayer 
that  such  supreme  happiness  would  be 
theirs  throughout  eternity. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  PRINCESS'  WEDDING. 

The  Princess'  recovery  was  very  slow, 
owing  to  the  great  depletion  of  the 
physical  body  during  her  recent  illness. 
Much  care  and  attention  were  bestowed 
upon  her  by  her  royal  friends.  All  the 
luxury  which  wealth  alone  could  procure, 
and  the  kindly  influences  of  loving  asso- 
ciates were  brought  to  bear  to  speedily 
hasten  the  restoration  of  their  Princess 
to  her  former  health  and  spirits.  Health 
was  slowly  but  surely  gaining  the  as- 
cendency, but  the  spirits  of  heart  and  mind 
were  not  of  that  buoyant,  external  nature 
that  she  formerly  displayed. 

With  her  return  to  health,  demands  of 


The  Princess    Wedding.  107 

a  social  nature  were  made  upon  her.  She 
enjoyed  pleasures  but  a  seriousness  at- 
tended her  every  movement  that  much 
annoyed  her  friends.  The  attendants 
and  servants  were  excited  to  wonder  at 
her  kind  and  thoughtful  interests  of  them 
—while  many  thought  it  was  due  to  her 
weak  physical  condition,  others  remarked, 
how  much  the  Princess'  sickness  had  im- 
proved her.  Those  that  before  feared 
her,  now  began  to  love  and  seek  to  please 

• 

and  serve  her. 

Rathunor  was  a  daily  visitor,  and  re- 
membering the  advice  and  instructions 
of  the  Hierophant  he  was  calm,  silent, 
and  patient  in  his  attentions  to  her  and 
apparently  took  no  heed  of  her  fancies  and 
strange  conversation.  She  would  con- 
stantly plan  amusements  and  social  en- 
tertainments on  a  grand  scale,  but  with 


io8  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

such  a  seriousness  of  purpose  that  it  quite 
annoyed  Rathunor  at  times  and  caused 
him  to  wonder  if  this  was  really  his  former 
Nu-nah. 

While  the  annoyance  came  purely 
from  the  external,  there  was  an  interior 
attraction  that  was,  irresistibly,  holding 
him  spell-bound  to  her  side.  His  happi- 
ness now  was  greatest  when  they  sat,  rode 
or  walked  in'  silence.  Little  did  he  dream, 
while  in  that  silence  which  so  enraptured 
him,  the  soul  of  Nu-nah  was  blending  and 
drawing  the  electric  life-essence  from  his 
own  to  hers.  That  interchange  was 
going  on  wherein  there  is  no  robbery,  but 
an  inter-blending  of  the  magnetic  and 
electric  life-forces  that  cause  to  spring 
into  activity  the  harmonious  vibrations  of 
a  complete  whole,  and  the  reaction  upon 
both  brain  and  the  physical  organism 


The  Princess    Wedding.  log 

was  health,  contentment  and  happiness 
that  rises  above  all  external  cares,  sorrows 
and  discords. 

Although  the  soul  of  the,  now  known, 
Princess  was  highly  developed  it  could 
find  but  few  responsive  echoes  from 
the  dormant  spiritual  organs  of  the  brain. 
These  she  must  arouse  to  sensitiveness 
and  action.  It  was  this  that  gave  rise  to 
the  peculiar  ideas,  expressed  in  her  con- 
versation, that  so  mystified  her  friends. 
Visitors  soon  began  to  pour  in  upon  her 
congratulations,  presents  and  invitations 
to  once  again  enter  the  gilded  salons  of 
fashion  and  the  round  of  amusements  that 
are  the  daily  life  of  a  favorite  Princess. 
To  all  she  gave  a  modest,  quiet  reply, 
neither  accepting  nor  rejecting  their  at- 
tentions, which  left  them  in  wondering 
doubt  at  times  of  her  sanity. 


1 10  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

In  the  midst  of  some  grand  occasion 
she  would  be  suddenly  missed  and  on 
being  sought  out  would  be  found  con- 
cealed in  some  pleasant  nook,  or  even 
out  in  the  open  air,  or  beside  an  open 
window,  absorbed  in  meditation  or  gazing 
into  the  heavens.  When  her  attention 
was  attracted  she  would  start  and,  with  a 
strange,  far-away  look  in  her  eyes  that 
would  indicate  to  a  superficial  observer 
she  had  been  asleep,  would  allow  herself, 
to  be  led  back  and  enter  the  festivities  of 
the  hour. 

With  all  their  efforts  they  could  not 
enthuse  her  with  the  excitement  and 
merriment  surrounding  her.  But,  if  any 
one  should  become  serious  and  express 
thoughts  that  appealed  to  the  interior, 
she  was  all  attention  and  the  questions  that 
were  so  ready  when  such  an  opportunity 


The  Princess    Wedding.  in 

afforded  showed  plainly  that,  although 
present  in  body,  the  soul  and  interests 
were  in  other  realms  and  spheres  than 
this. 

No  one  but  Rathunor  could  hold  her 
attention  for  any  length  of  time.  With 
him  she  was  animated,  and  charmingly 
beautiful  and  joyous  and  would,  with 
some  enthusiasm,  enter  into  the  pleasan- 
tries of  the  hour  which  brought  to  her 
face  the  charming  attraction  of  natural 
beauty.  Behind  those  orbs  of  vision 
there  seemed  to  shine  forth  a  light  that 
was  more  radiant  than  the  gorgeously 
brilliant  illuminations  of  the  salons.  Her 
beautiful  face,  her  perfect  form  and 
bearing,  made  her  the  center  of  attrac- 
tion and  she  was  much  sought  after.  But, 
as  soon  as  she  was  induced  to  leave 
Rathunor's  side,  that  which  made  her 


H2  Within  the  Temple  of  Isis. 

presence  so  irresistibly  attractive  and 
radiant  before,  faded  out. 

Thus  time  passed  on,  and  as  health 
returned,  Prince  Rathunor  pressed  his 
suit.  There  was  now,  no  apparent  reason 
why  he  could  not  claim  his  promised  bride 
and  make  the  Princess  Nu-nah  his  own. 
His  more  earnest  friends  cautioned  him 
to  wait  further  developments  and,  in  an 
undertone,  reminded  him  of  the  peculiar 
and  unnatural  bearing  of  the  Princess 
at  times.  They  were  sure,  in  time,  their 
once  lovely  Princess  would  be  herself 
again.  Rathunor  listened,  knowing  their 
kindly  interest  sprang  from  good  motives, 
but  he  was  silent — he  could  not  speak 
for  none  would  understand.  The  yearn- 
ings of  his  heart  and  soul  would  not  be 
quelled  by  any  outward  show. 

While    to    the  world    Nu-nah   was   a 


The  Princess    Wedding.  113 

source  of  mystical  wonder,  to  Rathunor 
she  was  his  stay  and  comfort.  He  needed 
no  further  evidence  and  assurance  of 
Nu-nah's  love  for  him.  Too  often  had 
he  experienced  the  response  from  within 
to  her  silent  pleadings  for  light,  truth 
and  wisdom.  The  attraction  of  the 
outer  world  was  losing  its  fascination 
for  him,  the  longings  from  within  grew 
stronger  and  more  clamorous  for  out- 
ward expression  until,  one  day,  he  ad- 
vanced the  subject  of  astrology  to  the 
Princess  Nu-nah.  For  an  instant,  her 
whole  being  was  illuminated  by  that  mys- 
terious light — for  a  single  moment  the  soul 
arose  to  the  supremacy  of  the  brain  and 
found  a  faint  glimmering  expression  that 
was  visible  to  Rathunor's  ever-watchful 
eye. 

"Astrology,   my  Rathunor,  fascinates 


H4         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

me  with  its  name  and  the  wonders  and 
mysteries  it  is  said  to  reveal.  Do  you 
think  those  Astrologer  Priests  of  the 
Temple  know  whereof  they  speak,  and  do 
they  read  the  stars  and  gain  from  them 
the  wisdom  they  are  said  to  possess?" 

Here  was  the  first  opportunity  to  pre- 
sent these  sacred  subjects  to  Nu-nah's 
mind.  He  tried  to  think  and,  feeling  that 
the  present  excitement  of  the  brain's 
higher  organs,  was  of  a  temporary  nature, 
he  was  really  at  a  loss  what  to  say  that 
would  be  most  effective  and  impress  itself 
indelibly  upon  her  awakening  brain. 

"  Yes.  my  dear  Nu-nah,  I  believe  they 
do  possess  the  knowledge  they  claim 
and,  I  also  am  convinced  that  much 
of  that  wisdom  and  knowledge  is 
gained  through  their  understanding  the 
laws  of  astrology.  Those  celestial  bodies 


The  Princess    Wedding.  115 

in  our  heavens  were  not  placed  there  by 
our  Divine  Creator  without  a  purpose.  I 
believe  they  have  an  influence  upon  us 
that  can  be  learned,  defined  and  utilized 
by  those  who  study  and  know  this  influ- 
ence through  astronomy  and  astrology. 
Nu-nah  what  is  that  which  produces  the 
interior  longings  to  know?  Is  it  not  that 
there  is  something  to  know — something 
that  our  common  brains  can  not  grasp 
and  analyze?  Do  you  not  think  that 
silent,  yet  persistent,  monitor  which  lies 
concealed  somewhere  within  our  being  is 
excited  to  action  from  some  source  other 
than  our  outward  selves,  and  that  longing 
to  go  out  must  be  accounted  for  by  a 
something  without  that  calls  and  attracts 
us  to  it?  May  this  not  be  the  stars  that 
we  see  twinkling  and  motioning  to  us  as 
we  gaze  into  the  midnight  heavens?" 


ii6          Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

He  stopped,  wondering  what  the  effect 
of  his  words  would  be,  when,  to  his  amaze- 
ment, there  appeared  a  more  vivid  con- 
sciousness in  her  eyes  and  features  than 
he  had  ever  seen  since  her  return  to  phys- 
ical health  and,  taking  new  hope  from 
this  manifestation,  he  continued,  "  Do  you 
love  the  social  world  longer?  Is  there 
not  that  longing,  too,  within  your  bosom 
for  something  more  real,  more  ennobling 
than  the  pastimes  of  worldly  pleasures?" 

At  the  mention  of  the  worldly  things, 
the  light  from  her  eyes  died  out  and  was 
gone.  Rathunor  said  no  more  but  silently 
thanked  God  that  he  had  for  those  few 
moments  assisted  the  soul  of  Nu-nah  to 
vibrate,  too;  and  had  set  in  motion  the 
vitalizing  currents  to  the  spiritual  portion 
of  the  brain  and  earnestly  prayed  that 
this  might  be  the  beginning  of  many  op- 
portunities that  were  to  follow. 


The  Princess    Wedding.  1 1 7 

Realizing  that  only  he  could  arouse 
the  dormant  organs  of  her  spiritual  brain, 
he  became  more  anxious  than  ever  to 
have  her  constantly  in  his  company.  He 
again  pressed  his  suit  and  the  day  for  the 
wedding  nuptials  was  to  be  at  once  sub- 
mitted to  the  Astrologer. 

Rathunor  again  sought  the  Astrologer 
Priest  for  advice.  He  wished  to  know 
when  the  stars  would  point  most  favor- 
ably toward  such  a  momentous  event. 
This,  the  Astrologer  was  not  long  in  find- 
ing out  and  soon  conveyed  the  news  to 
Rathunor  that  at  an  early  date  such 
might  be  consummated.  As  the  Prince 
arose  to  go  the  Priest  took  his  hand  and 
said,  "My  child,  in  taking  the  Princess 
Nu-nah  as  your  wife,  you  obey  the  holy 
intuitions  of  the  soul  and  not  only  will 
you  be  united  in  soul  but  in  body  and 


Ii8          Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

mind.  I  wish  you  the  eternal  bliss  that 
attends  all  who  are  truly  mated.  Fare- 
well, my  child;  my  blessings  go  with  you." 

Rathunor  was  too  much  absorbed  in 
other  things  to  understand  the  mysterious 
words  of  the  Priest,  but  notwithstanding 
this  the  seed  had  been  again  sown  that 
would  sometime  spring  up  unannounced 
and  unexpected. 

The  announcement  of  the  wedding 
was  soon  made  and  invitations  sent  out, 
far  and  near.  Congratulations  poured  in 
from  every  source,  although  some  would 
have  refused,  had  they  been  true  to  their 
own  sentiments,  for  the  remarkable  and 
unaccountable  change  which  had  taken 
place  during  her  terrible  malady  was  too 
evident  to  be  altogether  right  and  should 
be  righted  before  the  Prince  should  make 
the  Princess  his  wife. 


The  Princess    Wedding.  119 

Rathunor  was  satisfied,  never  forget- 
ting the  Hierophant's  sacred  words,  and 
none  other  need  be  consulted.  In  their 
silent  hearts  they  wished  the  wedding 
might  be  private  and  the  holy  ceremony 
of  the  Temple  be  performed  by  the  High 
Priest.  This,  of  course,  could  not  be  owing 
to  the  station  and  position  they  occupied 
in  life,  for  the  lives  of  a  Princess  and  Prince 
are  not  wholly  their  own,  so  to  the  public 
they  must  bow  and  pay  obeisance. 

Preparations  for  the  wedding  com- 
menced at  once,  for  it  was  to  be  a  grand 
affair.  Nothing  was  to  be  spared  that 
would  add  beauty  and  grandeur  to  the 
occasion.  Extravagant  expenditures  were 
indulged  in,  until  money  seemed  at  a  loss 
to  supply  more.  The  trousseau  was  ex- 
quisitely magnificent  and,  on  the  wedding 
night,  the  beaming  radiance  of  the  counte- 


I2O         Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

nance  of  the  Princess  was  neither  dimmed 
by  the  rich  silks,  nor  the  rare,  priceless 

« 

laces  and  lovely  jewels  that  glittered  and 
sparkled  with  the  living  spark  of  life 
within  them,  that  adorned  her  form. 

Never  a  bride  so  fair;  never  a  couple 
so  happy.  It  was  that  quiet,  subtle  happi- 
ness, which  permeates  the  very  atmos- 
phere about  them  and  leaves  its  traces 
in  every  susceptible  heart  that  breathes  it. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

THE    RETIREMENT. 

After  the  wedding  the  Prince  and 
Princess  were,  from  necessity,  drawn 
within  the  whirl  of  social  pleasures  with 
attentions  in  the  way  of  entertainments, 
court  suppers,  balls,  drawing-room  recep- 
tions, etc.  The  interior  longings  were 
compelled  to  creep  into  the  background 
until  the  external  was  gratified  to  exhaus- 
tion. The  Princess'  seriousness  departed 
for  a  time  and  they  were  very  happy  in 
the  round  of  pleasures  that  were  planned 
for  them.  But  as  time  sped  on  they  be- 
gan to  grow  weary  of  the  show,  pomp  and 
shallowness  of  external  life.  The  seeds 
that  had  been  sown  in  Rathunor's  heart 


122         Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

and  brain,  and  that  which  he  had  aroused 
in  Nu-nah's  slumbering,  spiritual  organs 
of  her  brain,  had  taken  root  and  now  be- 
gan to  spring  forth  into  activity,  first  as 
weariness  of  the  superficial  pleasures  of 
society,  then  a  desire  to  gradually  with- 
draw from  this  life  into  a  more  quiet  and 
secluded  one,  where  they  might  listen  to 
the  inner  voices  and  gain  pleasure,  as  well 
as  knowledge,  from  this  source, 

The  Prince  anxiously  awaited  another 
opportunity  for  speaking  to  Princess  Nu- 
nah  on  spiritual  subjects.  The  Hiero- 
phant  had  given  him  to  understand  that 
at  no  distant  day  Nu-nah  would  become 
interested  in  spiritual  things  and  be  his 
teacher.  He  had  not  been  made  aware 
of  the  transfer — that  was  to  be  revealed 
to  him  by  Nu-nah  herself.  He  had  begun 
to  wonder  how  and  where  Nu-nah's  spirit- 


The  Retirement.  123 

ual  awakening  would  take  place  when  an 
opportunity  presented  itself  in  a  most 
unexpected  manner. 

One  lovely  evening  they  were  taking 
a  stroll  about  the  grounds  of  their  castle, 
when  the  full  Moon  arose  in  a  flood  of 
light,  it  rose  higher,  fuller,  until  the  whole 
world  seemed  bathed  in  her  magical 
beauty  and  in  order  to  longer  enjoy  her 
light  and  magnetic  influence  the  Prince 
suggested  a  longer  walk.  Unconsciously 
they  chose  the  path  that  led  them  towards 
the  Temple,  which  was  only  a  short  dis- 
tance from  their  home.  As  they  neared 
the  Temple  distant  strains  of  music  at- 
tracted their  attention.  They  listened, 
and  it  seemed  to  speak  in  the  plaintive 
tones  of  a  hungering  soul;  they  hastened 
their  steps  until  they  had  quite  reached 
the  private  grounds  of  the  Temple  of  Isis. 


1 24         Within  the  Temple  of  Isis. 

Nu-nah  was  in  advance  of  Rathunor, 
being  irresistibly  drawn  by  some  invisible 
power,  when  she  suddenly  stopped  and 
clasping  his  arm,  as  within  a  vice,  cried 
out,  "My  Rathunor,  do  you  hear  that 
music;  what  is  it?  I  have  heard  it  before, 
but  where,  O,  where?  How  came  I  to 
know  the  chants  and  music  of  the  Temple 
Service?" 

They  were  held  spell-bound  to  the 
spot,  when  the  Prince  was  warned,  by  the 
trembling  and  the  gradual  loosening  of 
Nu-nah's  hand  upon  his  arm,  to  quit  the 
spot  at  once.  The  Prince  placed  his  arm 
about  her  waist  to  suppoi  t  her  as  he  urged 
their  return  home,  but  she  stood  immov- 
able apparently  chained  by  the  magical 
power  of  5ome  invisible  force. 

Stronger  grew  the  mystical  power 
ot  the  spell  until  the  Princess  seemed 


The  Retirement.  125 

compelled,  to  rush  madly  on  and  into 
the  Temple,  if  the  Prince  had  not  held 
her  back  in  a  firm  grasp,  and  at  the 
same  time  trying  to  attract  her  attention 
by  his  words.  "Come,  my  darling,  let  us 
retrace  our  steps  and  as  we  walk  I  will 
tell  you  all  I  know  about  what  you  have 
heard." 

"  O,  my  Rathunor,  speak  to  me  quickly 
before  1  have  time  to  forget.  I  can  not 
remember  this  long,  yet  it  as  a  recurrence 
of  a  vivid  dream.  Tell  me  while  I  am 
awake,  where  I  have  been.  I  saw,  and 
felt,  and  know  I  was  there — there  in  the 
Sacred  Sanctuary  of  that  Temple.  O, 
that  I  might  go  again  and  remain  there 
forever  to  listen  to  that  enchanting  music 
and  the  solemn  heavenly  voices  of  that 
choir." 

A  quiver  ran  through  her  whole  frame 


1 26         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

and  with  a  mournful  cry  she  fell  fainting 
in  the  arms  of  Rathunor.  Here  his  innate 
born  courage  and  bravery  sustained  him, 
and  instantly  there  flashed  into  his  mind 
the  words  he  had  once  heard  the  High 
Priest  use  while  passing  his  hands  over  an 
insensible  form.  So,  gently  laying  her 
inanimate  body  upon  the  grass,  he  re- 
peated in  slow,  but  firm  and  commanding 
tones  these  words: 

"Return,  O  soul,  to  thy  physical  body. 
Return,  I  command  thee,  and  reanimate 
this  lifeless  tenement  of  your  soul.  Come, 
come,  I  command  thee,  come." 

Scarcely  had  the  last  words  been  ut- 
tered when  a  movement  of  the  hands  and 
limbs  announced  to  Rathunor  the  return 
of  life.  She  was  soon  able  to  rise  and, 
being  supported  by  the  Prince,  they  slowly 
wended  their  way  back  to  the  castle.  She 


The  Retirement.  127 

walked  as  in  a  dream,  but  as  her  step  was 
stately  and  firm,  the  Prince  did  not  be- 
come alarmed  until  he  had  her  safe  in  her 
room,  when  the  extent  of  the  occurrence 
dawned  upon  him  and  then  he  hurriedly 
called  her  maid  and  sent  at  once  to  dis- 
patch a  servant  for  their  physician.  Nu- 
nah  had  become  quite  herself  before  the 
Doctor  came  and  after  he  had  adminis- 
tered a  little  palliative,  withdrew  saying, 
"The  Princess  will  soon  be  well.  It  was 
only  the  result  of  fatigue  induced  by  the 
constant  excitement  of  social  pleasures." 
The  Prince  was  silent  and,  seeing  the 
Princess  was  so  comfortable,  he  retired  to 
his  own  apartments  with  strict  injunctions, 
he  should  be  notified  at  once  if  any  symp- 
toms of  the  prostration  should  appear. 
When  once  within  his  private  chamber  he 
threw  himself  down  in  a  chair  and  fell 


128         Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

into  a  profound  study.  Over  and  over  he 
reviewed  the  incidents  of  the  evening. 
"What  was  there  in  that  music  that  so 
enchanted  Nu-nah?  What  did  she  see 
and  hear  that  revived  a  faint  memory  of 
something  in  the  past?  What  magical 
force  was  it  that  drew  her  so  irresistibly 
toward  the  Temple  ?  What  produced  that 
quiver  which  preceded  her  falling  insensi- 
ble into  his  arms?" 

He  was  half  inclined  to  blame  the 
Priests  for  it  all,  for  he  knew  something 
of  the  power  of  magic  and  its  psychologic 
effect.  The  more  he  reasoned  the  farther 
he  wandered  from  a  solution.  Now  he 
mused,  "  If  that  had  been  the  beautiful 
Vestal,  Sarthia,  I  could  understand  why 
she  would  be  so  powerfully  attracted  to 
the  Temple,  but  Nu-nah,  who  had  never 
entered  the  Holy  Sanctuary  except  for 


The  Retirement.  I2Q 

those  sacred  Rites  that  are  administered 
to  all  who  are  supposed  to  be  bordering 
on  the  land  of  the  spiritual  world;  only 
those  two  nights,  to  his  knowledge,  had 
she  ever  been  in  the  Sacred  Sanctuary; 
there  was  something  in  those  ceremonies 
that  he  had  not  as  yet  understood;  there 
must  have  been  some  mystical,  magical 
power  employed  to  restore  the  frail,  feeble, 
unconscious  Nu-nah  to  life  and  health 
and,  to  him." 

He  thought  and  reasoned  until  his 
brain  was  on  fire,  and  still  no  solution  of 
the  mystery  was  presented  to  his  under- 
standing. 

"Well,"  he  at  last  exclaimed,  so  loud 
that  he  startled  himself,  "  I  will  have  to 
accept  it  as  a  mystery  and  patiently  wait 
time's  own  pleasure  for  the  explanation." 

He  began  to  prepare  for  retiring,  but 


1 30         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

he  could  not  calm  himself — a  restless- 
ness took  possession  of  him  that  he  could 
not  quell;  he  walked  the  floor,  tried  to 
read,  and  resorted  to  many  ways  to  re- 
store his  tranquillity,  but  all  in  vain. 

"  I  must  see  my  Nu-nah  once  more  be- 
fore I  can  sleep,"  and,  hurriedly  readjust- 
ing the  clothing  he  had  removed,  he 
repaired  to  the  Princess'  private  room. 
A  gentle  knock  brought  the  attendant  to 
the  door. 

"  Is  the  Princess  quiet  and  sleeping," 
he  inquired  in  a  whisper. 

"No,"  answered  the  servant.  "She  is 
awake  and  feeling  well,  and  just  now  re- 
marked, that  if  she  thought  you  were  not 
sleeping  she  would  have  you  called  for 
she  had  something  she  wished  to  tell 
you." 

His  presence  was  at  once  made  known 


The  Retirement.  131 

to  the  Princess,  and,  with  a  low  cry  of  de- 
light, she  called  him  to  her  side.  A  signal 
sent  the  attendant  from  the  room,  when 
the  Princess  began,  "My  Rathunor,  my 
beloved  husband,  I  am  so  glad  you  came. 
I  have  something  to  tell  you  that  I  might 
forget  before  morning.  To  night,  when 
we  came  within  the  sound  of  the  music  in 
the  Temple,  I  felt  as  if  I  left  my  body  and 
you,  and  by  some  unknown  power  was 
drawn  into  the  Sacred  Sanctuary.  I  saw 
the  Hiijli  Priest,  the  lovely  Mother  Priest- 
ess, the  Vestals,  the  choir  and  musicians, 
all  earnestly  engaged  in  some  holy  cere- 
mony. The  music,  the  heavenly  spiritual 
influence  of  the  atmosphere,  the  exquisite 
fragrance  of  incense  and  perfumes,  with 
the  purity  reflected  by  the  Vestal  attend- 
ants, so  enraptured  and  enthralled  me 
that  the  thought  that  I  would  ever  have 


132         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

to  leave  its  sacred  boundaries  caused  me 
to  lose  consciousness  and,  when  I  awoke, 
you  were  bending  over  me." 

Seeing  a  strange  look  in  Rathunor's 
eyes  and  interpreting  it  to  mean  jealousy, 
she  continued,  "  but  that  was  not  all,  my 
Rathunor;  you  were  there,  too,  for  awhile. 
I  tried  to  keep  you,  but  could  not — some- 
thing drew  you  away  from  me  and  I,  for 
an  instant,  suffered  the  same  pangs  that 
are  torturing  your  heart  now.  I  thought 
you  would  rather  go  than  stay,  and  a  feel- 
ing of  jealousy  entered  my  heart,  but  the 
strange  fascination  of  the  place  was  more 
to  me  at  that  instant  than  you,  my  Rath- 
unor, so  I  longed  to  stay  but  could  not.  I 
have  been  trying  to  think  what  it  all 
means.  You  must  help  me  for  already  I 
feel  the  memory  of  the  event  passing 
away." 


The  Retirement.  133 

She  ceased  speaking,  and  in  a  few 
moments  was  fast  asleep.  The  Prince 
kissed  the  hand  he  held,  then  gently  laid 
it  by  her  side  and  quietly  left  the  room 
fully  conscious  that  the  mystery  had  been 
partially  revealed,  and  that  now  the 
Princess  would  sleep  for  the  rest  of  the 
night.  After  returning  to  his  rooms  he 
again  flung  himself  into  an  easy  chair  de- 
termined to  seriously  think  and  arrive, 
that  night,  at  some  immediate  steps  to 
take  his  Nu-nah  from  the  excitement  she 
had  been  subjected  to  for  so  long,  so 
that  a  recurrence  of  the  sad  event  might 
not  be  repeated.  Before  another  Sun 
arose  the  Prince  had  decided  upon  his 
future  course.  "  I  will  take  Nu-nah  away, 
ostensibly  on  a  long  tour  of  the  country 
for  pleasure.  Aye,  for  pleasure,  but  not 
the  kind  we  have  submitted  to  since  our 
marriage." 


134          Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

The  next  morning,  as  soon  as  the 
Princess  could  see  him,  he  requested  her 
presence  at  once.  He  met  her  at  the 
door  and  with  a  loving  inquiry  as  to  her 
health,  led  her  to  an  easy  chair  beside  the 
open  window  where  the  rays  of  the  morn- 
ing Sun  could  fall  upon  her  as  they  pene- 
trated the  delicate  lace  which  hung  at  the 
window.  Drawing  a  chair  to  her  side  he 
began  to  unfold  his  plans,  at  the  same 
time  watching  every  motion  and  expres- 
sion of  the  face  to  see  what  effect  they 
would  have  upon  her.  She  did  not  be- 
tray her  thoughts  until  he  said  his  object 
was  not  so  much  for  travel  as  to  retire  to 
some  quiet,  pleasant  nook,  where  they 
could  be  excluded  from  the  world,  and 
those  they  knew,  for  awhile,  and  instead 
of  spending  their  time  in  the  superficial 
pleasures  of  the  world  they  could  enjoy 


The  Retirement.  135 

each  other's  society  and  learn  something 
about  the  invisible  mysteries  that  sur- 
rounded them. 

When  the  motives  of  his  plans  were 
mentioned  a  preceptible  change  flashed 
across  her  countenance  and  a  light  ap- 
peared in  her  eyes  that  he  had  not  seen 
for  some  time  and,  by  the  time  he  had 
finished,  her  whole  face  was  beaming  with 
an  inward  delight,  that  urged  the  Prince 
to  further  reveal  the  plans  that  he  had 
laid  during  his  midnight  reasonings.  The 
Princess  raised  not  a  single  exception  to 
his  schemes  but,  on  the  contrary,  entered 
into  them  with  a  zest  that  surprised  even 
the  Prince. 

"O,  to  be  alone,  Rathunor,  where  we 
could  think  and  study  that  which  we 
choose  has  been  the  longing  of  my  very 
soul  these  many  weeks;  can  not  we  go  at 


1 36         Within  the   Temple  of  Isis. 

once,  to-day  if  possible."  She  felt  she 
could  not  wait  the  necessary  time  for  the 
preparations  to  be  made. 

There  was  a  duty  toward  their  friends 
that  must  be  fulfilled.  The  devoted  at- 
tentions that  had  been  showered  upon 
them  for  so  long  must  not  be  ignored.  So, 
it  was  decided  to  give  a  farewell  recep- 
tion, before  taking  their  departure  for  an 
indefinite  stay  in  strange  lands. 

Accordingly  invitations  were  issued  to 
a  grand  state  occasion,  when  the  Prince 
and  Princess  would  bid  their  friends  and 
associates  Farewell.  Ah!  farewell.  Little 
did  those  who  were  of  that  brilliant  as- 
sembly dream,  as  they  clasped  the  hands 
of  the  Princess  and  Prince  in  cordial  and 
sincere  good-by,  that  it  was  indeed  a 
Farewell  to  all.  Neither  did  they  con- 
ceive for  a  moment  what  those  Farewells 


The  Retirement.  137 

meant  to  the  Princess  and  Prince.  It  was 
hard  for  them  to  conceal  their  happiness 
as  every  minute  of  time  brought  their  de- 
parture nearer,  and  what  their  guests  took 
for  the  happiness  of  their  presence,  was 
really  induced  by  the  thoughts  of  the 
future. 

They  were  soon  off  and  we  can  only 
follow  them  in  thought  for  a  time.  Let 
those  thoughts  be  kind,  for,  knowing 
thoughts  are  potent,  send  them  out  lov- 
ingly toward  the  awakening  mind  of 
Princess  Nu-nah. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE  RETURN  TO  A  NEW  LIFE. 

Several  years  have  elapsed  since  we 
bade  our  Prince  and  Princess  farewell. 
Only  at  long  intervals  had  they  communi- 
cated with  their  friends.  The  outer  world 
had  almost  forgotten  them,  but  not  so  with 
the  Hierophant  and  the  Priestess  of  the 
Temple.  Daily,  had  their  prayers  gone 
in  behalf  of  their  souls'  welfare.  Al- 
though not  in  'communication  with  them 
in  body  they  were  in  spirit,  and  from  this 
source  they  knew  all  was  well.  The  High 
Priest,  in  his  astral  visits,  could  see  the 
growing  power  of  the  soul  over  the  slowly- 
evolving  brain  of  the  Princess,  and  with 
the  electric  soul-force,  the  great  nourisher 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.        139 

and  renewer  of  life,  though  unconscious 
to  him,  the  rounding  out  was  fast  nearing 
completion  of  the  soul's  mastery  over  the 
brain  and  body  of  Nu-nah. 

They  had  settled  in  distant  lands, 
near  a  little  country  village  that  lay  just 
at  the  foot  of  the  mountains.  It  was 
made  up  of  the  simple  peasantry,  where 
life  was  free  from  cant,  suspicions,  criti- 
cism and  morbid  curiosity.  Here  they 
could  live  and  follow  the  bent  of  their 
minds,  undisturbed  and  unobserved  if 
they  so  wished.  They  kept  their  identity 
unknown  yet  the  villagers  knew  from  the 
Princess'  delicate  beauty  of  form  and 
features  she  belonged  to  some  noble 
family  and  station  in  life,  but  her  kind, 
thoughtful  bearing  towards  them  won 
their  love  and  esteem  at  once,  and  equally 
did  they  esteem  the  Prince  for  he  was 


140         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

ever  lavish  with  his  money  and  attention 
to  those  who  appealed  to  him  for  assist- 
ance. The  mountains  soon  became  their 
favorite  resort.  Long  walks  were  taken 
daily,  and  rests  made  in  the  quiet  nooks 
on  the  mountain  side.  One  place  par- 
ticularly, became  a  very  dear  retreat  to 
them,  for  never  did  they  stop  there  but 
that  some  inspirations  were  born.  It  was 
here  that  Nu-nah  took  her  first  lesson 
from  Rathunor;  it  was  in  this  sacred  spot 
that  Rathunor  gently  but  cautiously  re- 
vealed to  her  the  Initiatory  Rites  of  the 
Temple  that  had  been  performed  over 
her  unconscious  body.  This  excited  an 
intense  curiosity,  if  not  deep  interest,  in 
Nu-nah's  mind.  She  began  to  question 
and  think  and,  as  she  thought,  there  came 
a  vague,  glimmering  memory  of  the  past, 
and  when  Rathunor  would  inquire  the 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.       141 

cause  of  her  almost  unconscious  moods, 
she  would  raise  her  hand  to  silence  his 
voice,  and  whisper,  "I  am  dreaming — O, 
something  so  grand,  so  solemn,  so  sacred 
haunts  my  mind;  just  wait  and  it  will  all 
come  by  and  by,"  then  her  dark  eyes 
seemed  to  grow  larger  and  larger  and 
to  burn  with  a  concentrated  fire. 

The  Prince's  delight  knew  no  bounds 
as  these  expressions  led  him  to  believe 
they  sprang  from  deep  desires  and  in- 
terests, so  the  time  seemed  to  shorten  for 
the  day  to  come  when  their  whole  time 
and  attention  would  be  turned  to  the 
study  of  Nature's  mysteries  and  the 
secrets  of  life  be  revealed  to  them,  thus 
satisfying  that  inward  longing  for  the 
realities  of  life.  Also,  he  knew,  the  new 
love  that  had  been  born  in  Nu-nah's  heart 
for  him  was  more  than  that  love  that  the 


142         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

external  only  can  know.  Its  depths  he 
could  not  fathom  nor  its  source  pursue, 
so  he  was  content  to  wait  that  promised 
time,  predicted  by  the  Astrologer,  that 
Nu-nah  would  lead,  guide  and  teach  him 
these  spiritual  truths  and  reveal  to  his 
already  awakening  soul  the  laws  of  the 
spirit. 

Now,  a  new  joy  was  revealed  to  the 
Prince  when  the  Princess  made  him 
aware  that  a  new  soul  had  been  en- 
trusted to  their  tender  care  and  keeping. 
The  thoughts  of  maternity  filled  her 
heart  with  bliss.  Blessed  privilege,  to 
bring  to  this  plane  of  existence  a  soul 
awaiting  incarnation  in  human  form,  to 
live,  grow  and  experience  on  this  planet 
the  last  grand  objective  existence  that  the 
soul  can  know.  What  care,  what  pleas- 
ure would  she  take  in  training  that  little 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.       143 

soul  to  know  its  God  and  the  mysteries 
of  life  and  in  maturity  stand  forth  to  teach 
mankind  Wisdom  and  Truth. 

The  pleasure  in  preparing  for  its  ad- 
vent made  days  pass  as  minutes.  Time, 
borne  on  the  wings  of  love,  passed  quick- 
ly. Her  soul  had  gained  that  control 
over  the  mind  that  it  was  full  with  pure, 
holy  and  spiritual  thoughts.  Her  mind 
could  not  get  beyond  her  husband  and 
the  young  soul  that  had  been  transmitted 
to  her  keeping.  The  divine  joy  of  love 
was  singing  in  her  soul.  Rathunor  left 
her  alone  in  her  happiness,  knowing  that 
in  her  condition  any  great  effort  on  his 
part  to  draw  her  mind — thoughts  into 
new  channels  might  lead  to  dire  results. 

At  last  the  Natalday  arrived.  The 
magnetic,  as  well  as  the. physical,  period 
of  gestation  being  completed,  to  them  a 


144         Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

son  was  born.  Never  was  there  a  human 
soul  greeted  with  greater  love  and  wel- 
come than  this  one.  Not  only  was  it  the 
offspring  of  the  physical  union,  but  that  of 
the  souls.  Welcome,  thrice  welcome,  to 
the  children  born  of  such  love.  The 
physical  condition  of  the  Princess  was 
very  critical  for  several  days.  The 
Prince's  grief  and  anxiety  was  almost  un- 
bearable; neither  sleep  nor  food  took  a 
moment  of  his  time  during  her  severe 
illness,  and  often  did  he  think  that  again 
Nu-nah's  soul  would  take  its  flight  and 
wend  its  way  to  the  realms  above. 

The  eighth  day  after  confinement  was 
one  of  stupor  and  unconsciousness.  Not 
a  moment  passed  unheeded.  It  was  near 
midnight  when,  the  attendants  having  re- 
tired for  a  short  rest,  and  Rathunor  sat 
alone  by  her  bedside,  her  eyes  suddenly 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.        145 

opened  and  bent  their  gaze  upon  him. 
Beautiful,  calm,  divine  Nu-nah,  her  won- 
derful eyes  shone  with  a  surprising  bril- 
liancy and  they  were  so  riveted  upon  him 
that  he  dare  not  move,  much  less  speak. 
The  minutes  that  intervened  between 
her  waking  and  speaking  seemed  as  an 
eternity  to  Rathunor. 

"  My  darling  husband,  are  you  beside 
me — are  you  where  I  can  speak  to  you, 
and  are  we  alone?" 

Only  by  a  gentle  pressure  of  the  hand 
could  he  respond,  and,  gently  laying  his 
right  hand  upon  her  brow,  he  assured  her 
by  this  act  of  his  presence.  She  began 
speaking — her  voice  was  low,  yet  clear 
and  distinct,  "  My  Rathunor,  my  true-soul 
companion,  I  have  returned  with  the 
knowledge  I  now  impart  to  you.  While 
you  so  patiently  and  tenderly  watched 


146          Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

beside  my  frail  and  almost  lifeless  body, 
my  soul  was  away  gaining  knowledge  and 
experience  in  the  soul-world.  There  I 
learned  who  I  am  and  my  relation  to  you. 
Do  you  know,  O  my  Rathunor,  that  our 
souls  sustain  that  divine  relation  to  each 
other  that  makes  us  immortal,  because  of 
being  complete?  The  whole,  the  two 
rays  of  the  Divine  Ego,  are  joined  and 
blended  as  one  in  our  union.  Can  you 
hear  me  further?" 

The  agitation  of  his  grief  began  to 
assuage  and  he  could  now  listen  calmly 
and  without  emotion  to  her  words. 

'  Yes,  go  on.  What  you  have  already 
said  has  been  indelibly  burned  upon  my 
mind  and  soul.  Let  me  hear  all  you  have 
to  impart." 

"  Know  you  that  this  body  was  Nu- 
nah's  and  this  soul  that  of  Sarthia's? " 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.       147 

It  was  here  that  only  by  a  mighty  ef- 
fort of  his  will  was  he  able  to  keep  in 
abeyance  the  emotions  of  his  heart,  but 
the  superior  and  God-like  power  of  an 
invisible  Presence  sustained  him.  The 
Princess  took  no  heed  of  his  silence  and 
continued  her  revelations. 

"  Do  you  know  that  on  the  night  of 
the  full  Moon,  the  solemn  and  sacred 
Rites  performed  over  the  unconscious 
bodies  of  Sarthia  and  Nu-nah  in  the 
Sacred  Sanctuary  of  the  Temple  of  Isis, 
our  souls  were  transferred  by  the  magical 
power  of  the  High  Priest  and  the  in- 
visible assistants?  Nu-nah's  soul  was 
polarized  in  Sarthia's  physical  temple 
and  that  of  Sarthia's  in  this  of  mine. 
Both  were  prostrated,  even  to  dissolution 
by  the  malefic  influence  of  planetary 
arcs,  and  this  method  was  resorted  to, 


148         Within  the  Temple  of  I  sis. 

that  both  our  lives  might  be  spared  to 
round  out  our  necessary  physical  exist- 
ence while  yet  in  these  bodies,  and  also 
for  your  sake  was  this  undertaken  by  our 
Holy  Father  that  you  might  have  that 
love  which  you  so  much  craved  and  the 
longings  of  your  soul  might  be  satisfied 
with  the  knowledge  it  thirsted  for.  This 
will  explain  to  you  the  great  change  ob- 
served at  times  in  your  Nu-nah,  and  the 
unnatural,  dreamy  moods  that  possessed 
me  sometimes.  The  brain  was  slow  to 
respond  to  the  wonderfully  developed  soul 
of  Sarthia  and  it  was  at  those  times  that 
the  soul  gained  the  supremacy,  that  the 
greatest  change  would  manifest.  You 
now  have  the  true  devoted  love  of  your 
soul  companion  and  the  lovely  form  of 
Nu-nah  for  your  wife.  My  Rathunor, 
are  you  satisfied?  If  a  pang  of  disap- 


7  he  Return  to  a  New  Life.         149 

pointment  cross  your  heart,  our  darling 
child  here  may  blot  that  out  as  he  grows 
and  learns  our  mystic  lore  and  become 
also  a  soul  companion  of  his  fathers  in 
climbing  the  ladder  to  higher  wisdom 
and  spheres  than  ours." 

The  Prince  could  not  speak.  He 
sank  on  his  knees  beside  the  bed  and 
buried  his  face  in  her  bosom.  Here  silence 
was  more  profound  and  spoke  deeper 
wisdom  and  contentment  than  ever  words 
could  do;  how  long  he  remained  in  this 
humble  attitude  and  poured  forth  his 
gratefulness  in  prayer  he  knew  not;  but 
when  he  arose  the  Princess  was  sleeping 
quietly,  the  breathing,  though  feeble,  was 
deeper  and  more  even.  He  gentlycrossed 
her  hands  upon  her  bosom,  adjusted  the 
clothing  carefully  and  left  her  side,  full  of 
a  new  hope  he  had  had  for  many  days. 


150  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

Life  again  appeared  in  all  its  glory,  not  a 
shadow  appeared  upon  its  horizon;  weari- 
ness and  anxiety  forsook  him  and  he 
went  about  as  if  walking  on  air,  but  not  a 
word  escaped  his  lips — nor  an  act  be- 
trayed his  new-born  joy. 

When  the  nurses  returned  they  at 
once  remarked  the  change  in  the  Princess. 
They,  too,  became  hopeful  and  assured 
the  husband  that  his  wife  would  soon  be 
well.  The  Princess  recovered  rapidly, 
and  it  was  not  long  before  her  gentle 
presence  and  noble  influence  shed  its 
effulgence  in  the  home  as  she  moved 
about  it. 

As  soon  as  Rathunor  could  spare  the 
time  from  Nu-nah's  side  he  sent  the 
Natal  hour  of  his  first-born  to  the  As- 
trologer Priest.  Anxiously  did  he  await 
the  reading  of  the  stars  and  what  they 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.         151 

indicated  for  his  child.  The  calculations 
were  made,  the  judgment  submitted  in 
writing,  but  "  Shall  I  transmit  them  to 
the  Prince  and  Princess,  can  they  yet  re- 
ceive and  philosophically  accept  the 
revelations  therein  made?" 

He  left  the  study-room  and  repaired 
to  the  apartments  of  the  High  Priest  to 
seek  advice  and  instructions.  Then,  by 
the  exercise  of  his  potent  will,  he  made 
the  necessary  observations  to  see  if  it 
were  wise  to  convey  the  knowledge  of 
the  predictions  to  his  children,  Nu-nah 
and  Rathunor. 

"  Not  yet  will  we  send  the  reading. 
Our  Nu-nah  has  not  sufficiently  recovered 
to  bear  any  unpleasant  news." 

Rathunor  became  impatient  and 
thought,  at  times,  he  would  write  again— 
the  letter  must  have  been  lost — but  some- 


152  Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

thing  witheld  him.  At  last  strange  fore- 
bodings haunted  him.  He  knew  too  well 
the  promptness  of  the  Astrologer  Priest; 
there  must  be  something  that  could  not 
be  revealed  to  Nu-nah.  He  thought  he 
was  strong  enough  to  bear  resignedly  all 
that  might  come,  but  when  it  did  come 
all  his  forebodings  had  not  prepared  him 
to  receive  it.  It  was  only  a  letter — no 
calculations — no  reading,  as  indicated  by 
the  stars,  was  in  it.  The  letter  had  been 
dictated  by  the  Priest  and  transcribed  by 
the  scribe  Hermo,  and  read  thus: 

"Our  darling  children,  Rathunor  and 
Nu-nah,  bear  bravely  the  news  I  now  im- 
part to  you.  Your  first  born,  the  offspring 
of  true  inspiration  and  soul-love,  can  not 
remain  with  you  long  in  the  physical  form. 
The  stars  deny  a  prolonged  life,  and  my 
interior  knowledge  of  the  planetary  influ- 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.         153 

ence,  also  tells  me  his  life  upon  our 
Earth's  plane  will  be  of  short  duration. 
His  already  matured  soul  does  not  need 
much  of  Earth's  experience  to  round  out 
its  objective  existence,  before  entering 
the  true  life  in  the  spiritual  realm;  there 
it  will  remain,  my  dear  children,  ever 
beckoning  you  on,  and  contributing  to 
you  that  energy  that  will  ever  spur  you  to 
greater  effort  to  realize  while  yet  in  the 
physical  form  Immortal  Life.  Tend  it 
carefully,  but  when  the  Great  Powers  that 
Be  summon  its  soul  to  go,  do  not  try  to 
hold  it  here,  but  add  the  strength  of  your 
united  prayers  to  its  flight  and  bid  it  de- 
part to  its  home  in  the  spiritual  realms 
above.  God  bless  and  give  you  the 
strength,  my  children,  is  the  prayer  of 
your  devoted  Father.  Amen!  Amen!" 
The  strength  of  spiritual  force  that 


Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

seemed  to  accompany  the  letter  and  his 
loving  advice  imparted  courage  to  their 
hearts,  and  instead  of  giving  way  to  grief, 
began  to  philosophically  reason  aud  con- 
sole themselves  that  God's  ways  were 
wiser  than  man's. 

Not  many  months  did  their  lovely 
spiritual  child  remain  with  them  until  its 
soul  took  its  flight  to  realms  beyond, 
where  truly  it  became  as  a  beacon-light 
to  the  souls  of  its  parents.  Its  departure 
left  the  Prince  and  Princess  sad  and 
lonely  for  a  time  and  their  struggle  to 
reconciliation  was  great — but  this  was  of 
the  heart  and  not  of  the  soul.  Time 
healed  the  external  wound  and  the  in- 
terior vacancy  was  filled  by  study,  inves- 
tigation and  the  development  to  external 
consciousness  of  the  knowledge  within. 

Again,  they  became  restless  and  plans 


The  Return  to  a  New  Life.        155 

were  laid  to  leave  their  happy  home  near 
the  mountains,  and  the  devoted  friends 
they  had  made  among  the  villagers  who 
were  sorry  to  part  with  them  and,  as  me- 
mento to  their  honest,  noble  friendship, 
they  distributed  their  household  and  per- 
sonal effects  among  them.  They  revealed 
to  no  one  where  they  were  going.  They 
disappeared  as  mysteriously  as  they  came, 
but  where?  Only  one  place  on  Earth 
could  tempt  them  to  leave  that  sacred 
home,  where  such  extreme  joy  and  sorrow 
were  known,  and  that  was  the  former 
home  of  the  soul  of  Nu-nah,  The  Temple 
of  Isis.  Nu-nah  was  to  enter  as  an  aspir- 
ant to  a  Priestess,  and  Rathunor  as  a 
Priest  King. 

The  Return  to  a  New  Life,  was  hailed 
with  joyful  welcomes  from  all  of  the  At- 
tendants of  the  Temple.  Rathunor  and 


156          Within  the  Temple  of  his. 

Nu-nah  soon  passed  the  ceremonial  Rites 
of  the  Temple  and  none  were  more  faith- 
ful in  their  efforts  and  studies  than  these 
new-born  children — the  especial  care  of 
the  High  Priest  and  the  Priestess. 

We  leave  them  here,  wishing  them  the 
progress,  the  happiness  and  that  Divine 
Peace  and  Understanding  that  comes  to 
all  Perfected  Souls.  God  be  with  them. 


BOOK  REVIEWS. 


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CELiESTIflli  DYNAMICS. 

BEING 

A  NORMAL  COURSE  OF  STUDY 

—IN— 

THE  ASTRO-MAGNETIC    FORCES    OF    NATURE. 

BY    THE    AUTHOR    OF 

"  THE  LIGHT  OF  EGYPT,"  "  THE  LANGUAGE  OF 
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O       1 


Rl 
I 

a 

OC 


5- 


OCT  2  2  2003 

DUE  3  WEEKS  FROM 
DATE  RECEIVED 

JCLA  YRUflLL 


10 
URL 


Form  L9— D 


3  1158010194875 


